Governor Wike To Improve Security And Safety On Rivers Waterways

 

Rivers State Government has acquired gunboats and other security  gadgets that would be rightly  deployed to ensure safe travels on her waterways.

Speaking during a condolence visit to Bonny Island following a recent boat mishap which claimed seven lives, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike  stated that his administration is committed to the safe all-year round marine transport. 

Represented by the Commissioner of Transport, Deacon Akie Dagogo T.Fubara, Governor  Wike added that the construction of the Bonny/ Bille/Nembe Jetty by his administration  is also targeted at improving  safety and  security  on the waterways. 

He said that the security  of  lives on the Bonny-Port Harcourt  sea route  remains  a top priority, which the administration  has been addressing. 

While describing the boat mishap  as tragic and painful, Governor Wike commiserated with the families that lost their loved ones.

The governor said that marine transport safety does not just end with wearing of  life vests, but in ensuring that  boats are certified to be sea-worthy, the drivers are well trained and operators avoid sailing during turbulent whether conditions. 

He said the Transport Ministry is investigating to ascertain the immediate and remote causes of the accident to forestall a future occurrence. 

He added that a committee has been set up to investigate the accident and it's report would be submitted in two weeks. 

Earlier, the Bonny Caretaker Committee  Chairman, Honourable Simeon Hart gave an account of the accident.

In their response, a leader in the Testimonial Bible Church, Mr. Ouda Rheem, thanked the governor  for his commitment to marine transport safety.