ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – The Iraqi parliament on Monday directed a letter to the prime minister’s office calling for the dismissal of the governor of Wasit, coming after MPs submitted a petition blaming the governor’s “negligence” for the tragic fire in a Kut shopping center.

A five-story mall in Wasit province’s capital of Kut caught fire early Thursday morning, killing at least 77 people in one of the country’s deadliest civil disasters in years. Authorities later confirmed that the building had been operating without construction permits, safety approvals, or an investment license.

Iraqi MP Sajjad Salem on Monday announced they have collected signatures from lawmakers urging the legislature to call for the dismissal of Wasit Governor Mohammed al-Miyahi for “his negligence and his role in the Kut tragedy.”

Salem announced following Monday’s session that the parliament has sent an official letter to the prime minister’s office for Miyahi’s dismissal.

“The governor's continued tenure constitutes a moral and political burden on the federal government and the Coordination Framework,” said Salem in a statement.

“After taking this necessary measure, it will be possible to move forward with completing the investigations and holding accountable all those who were negligent and responsible for the disaster that befell our people in Wasit province,” he added.

The Wasit provincial council on Sunday announced it has decided to dismiss the province’s police chief, director of the civil defense department, director of the health control department, and director of the accommodation department for their “mismanagement,” “violations,” and “administrative negligence” in relation to the deadly fire.

The council also announced it has called for Miyahi’s dismissal, stating that “impartial and proper investigations cannot be conducted while he remains in his position as governor, due to his influence on relevant circles in the case.”

“We also call on the members of the Wasit provincial council to assume their moral and historical responsibility, and work urgently and seriously to dismiss the governor,” the statement added.