As investigations into the pipeline explosion in KomKom, Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State which killed at least 50 persons continue, the Adhoc committee set up by the Rivers state house assembly to investigate the cause of gas explosion might invoke its constitutional powers on the Petroleum Pipeline marketing company, PPMC, if it fails to appear before it.
Recall that the PPMC on Tuesday turned down the invitation of the Committee set up by the Rivers State House of Assembly.
No reason was, however, give for turning down the invitation.
Expressing sadness on the conduct of the company, the chairman of the ad-hoc committee, Igwe Oforji, said another grace period would be given to the company to appear and cautioned that the assembly would not fail to take decisive action against the company if it fails to appear on the next invitation
He pleaded with members of the Kom Kom community to be patience and give the committee up till Thursday for the company to appear
He said” I am not satisfied with the outcome of today’s meeting because the PPMC which is the company that has the pipeline that caused the explosion was not present today.
“Letters were sent ou to them but they did not respond, so we have a message to them that we want to see them on Thursday”
On his part, the paramount ruler of Kom Kom community, Samuel Azu lamented that since the incident occurred, no relief material has been sent to the families and survivors of the unfortunate fire disaster.
He also denied claims that the pipeline was as a result of sabotage as alleged and blamed the explosion on negligence on the part of the PPMC for failing to maintain their facility.