The image of Nigeria is at stake hence the importance of a thorough and transparent probe into the circumstances surrounding the recent collapse of a guest house at the Synagogue Church Of All Nations (SCOAN) where more than 100 people died, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said.
Lamenting the tragedy, the body asked that a thorough investigation to be carried out, which it said would end speculations and give relatives of the victims closure, as some aggrieved relatives had even threatened to sue Founder of the church, Prophet TB Joshua.
Two South Africans, who lost relatives told the BBC they intend to sue Joshua. They have also appealed for more families to come together in bringing a case against the preacher, for the collapse which led to the death of 115 people, including 84 South Africans.
“It is not that the building collapsed, rather what was done after the collapse – we didn’t get any news from the church,” Thanduxolo Doro, whose sister Vathiswa Madikiza died, told the BBC.
“When I contacted them, they wouldn’t tell me anything. We saw reports that emergency workers were denied access initially, access that could have saved lives. The actions of the church after the incident are very telling,” he said.
In an open letter published in South Africa’s Star newspaper, Doro called on more families to sue Joshua.
“I need to do this for her. Even if I stand alone, I am determined to see that something is done,” he told the BBC.
“I understand that some families are afraid to take on someone who purports to be God’s messenger and I don’t blame them but I will do this,” said Doro who heard about his sister’s death from South African authorities. He said he had spoken to two families who were eager to join him in suing Joshua, but no concrete plans had been made.
The NLC however comiserate with families of the victims, in a statement signed by its Head of Information, Comrade Benson Upah.
“We at the Nigeria Labour Congress also wish to urge the government to empower the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in order to improve their response capacity,” the statement read.
