In a civilised society, the response to a tragedy involving the loss of lives defines the strength, resilience and endurance of the polity and the institutions. Nearly a hundred years ago when the Motor Versch (MV), The Titanic sank the response of both the British and American institution demonstrated a steady gait. The various board of enquiries into the tragedy laid out a new template which has ensured the safety of passengers and crew ever since.
More important is that the owners of the company which owned the Titanic were compelled to accept liability. They were named and shamed. The owners included some of the most powerful and influential men in the world. In contradiction, the response to the collapse of the building in a place of worship, Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) belonging to Prophet T.B. Joshua leading to the loss of 115 lives has been unacceptable.
With more than 85 nationals of the Republic of South Africa losing their lives the episode has assumed an international dimension. Unfortunately, the widely perceived tepid response of our authorities can hardly have enhanced the reputation of a country seeking a permanent seat on the security council of the United Nations. Predictably nothing much is being said about the Nigerian Nationals who also lost their lives. This is disgusting.
The response of the Lagos State government in particular reveals the sort of double standards for which the nation’s political establishment has come to be associated with. There is apparently a set of rules for those who have their kiosks demolished everyday and a different set for the ‘big men’. This is disappointing, for the state government is led by the able, widely admired Babatunde Fashola.
Alarmingly, so far there is not a whiff of a discussion about who exactly bears vicarious liability. This is unacceptable. If in doubt, ask the owners of the ferries involved in mishaps in South Korea and other places. We demand that something has to be done. Any organisation which has failed to follow the building code and regulations must be made to face the full force of the law. Otherwise there would be no deterrence. This means that there will be another fire next time soon.
For this reason, the response of Adams Oshiomhole, the Governor of Edo State to a similar incident in the same state is commendable. He has made it clear that those involved will face the law. Members of the public have every right to have expected a similar response from the Lagos State government and the Federal Government.
What is rather offensive about this matter is the perception (hopefully erroneous) that the tepid response has everything to do with the electoral calculus. That in an election season, those who command a legion of votes have to be treated with gloves.
If this is true, it portrays the failure of the institutions of state and portends great dangers ahead. A modern state cannot and must not stand arms akimbo in response to a tragedy based on negligence which has resulted in the loss of lives. To redeem the image of our country and to show that we still believe in the sanctity of human lives, the Lagos State and Federal Governments must act purposefully now. Someone has to accept vicarious liability.