Momoh was knocked down by the convoy of the Minister of Petroleum, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, along Nicon Junction, Maitama, late Wednesday evening on his way from work. Reports indicated that Momoh was taken to the NNPC hospital where he later gave up the ghost after the incident.
In a statement by the Chairman of Council, Comrade Chuks Ehirim, described the death of Momoh, a production staff with the newspaper, as avoidable and unfortunate. According to Ehirim, the tragic death of Momoh brings to fore the recklessness of government convoys and their absolute disregard for traffic rules and other road users.
The NUJ FCT chairman lamented that the minister has not demonstrated any concern and human feeling for the deceased by reaching out to his relatives. He said she was rather more bothered about protecting her image. *And that's surprising? scoffs*
Ehirim warned that the union will not fold its arms and watch government officials treat human lives with levity and called for proper investigation into the matter as well as proper compensation for the bereaved family.
I can almost predict how this would play out, brown envelopes would change hands and the brewing storm would be averted. But then again let's give the benefit of the doubt, and see if the NUJ would wield the mighty weapon they are armed with: The Pen. If it is a truly democratic regime, then all the appropriate investigation would be carried out and if there are any flagrant infringements by the Minister, the press has everything in their arsenal to make sure justice is done. I mean, it is one of them. If they cannot fight for themselves, then there really isn't any hope for the country after all. If this is true though.
However, NNPC has issued statements describing as untrue reports that the convoy of the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke was involved in a deadly car crash which killed Mr. James Momoh, a staff of the Nigerian Pilot Newspaper in Abuja.
They however confirmed that a shuttle vehicle belonging to the Corporation was involved in an accident which eventually led to the death of the Pilot Newspaper staff.
"I want to state categorically that the unfortunate event of last night has nothing to do with the convoy of the Honourable Minister as speculated.
The accident involved one of our shuttle buses which regrettably knocked down a pedestrian in the Mabushi area of Abuja and was immediately rushed to the NNPC Medical Centre for attention. But sadly the young man gave up the ghost,'' he said.
The NNPC spokesman stated that the Minister's convoy was not involved in the crash in any way noting that the vehicle in question is not part of the minister's pilot vehicles.
He said the Management of the NNPC has taken steps to meet with the family of the deceased as well as the Management of Pilot Newspaper.
Source: PM News
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