The managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission Mr. Nsima Ekere has sympathized with governor Obong Udom Emmanuel and the bereaved families of the collapsed building in Akwa Ibom State over the weekend.
According to the statement credited to the MD, "I have just learnt of the very tragic collapse of the building housing Reigners Bible Church, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, while thousands of worshippers were inside. This is, indeed, a most shocking, horrifying and heart-rending tragedy.
My deepest concerns, sympathies and condolences go the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Udom Emmanuel, who was inside the church at the time. I thank God for His mercies on the Governor and on so many other worshippers who survived the gruesome accident.
My deepest condolences also go to the families of the victims of this most saddening and terrifying catastrophe, the head of Reigners Bible Church, Apostle Akan Weeks, the entire Christian Community, as well as the Government and good and God-fearing people of Akwa Ibom state.
I pray for the repose of the souls of the dead. I pray for God’s healing upon those who now lie at different hospitals with different injuries sustained during the collapse. I wish them quick recovery. And I pray for comfort to their souls, spirits and bodies and declare that this tragedy will not befall us again.
But, I must express my deep concern, also, as a building professional. Such an accident should not have occurred in the first place. I believe Government should leave no stone unturned in identifying those whose actions or inactions are found to have contributed to this sad accident. I believe all relevant Government agencies, not just in Akwa Ibom, but in all states of the Niger Delta region and Federal Republic of Nigeria, should ensure, at all times, that proper and appropriate regulations, measures and standards are always put in place and adhered to in construction and physical infrastructure projects, because, as this has shown, such negligence or culpability may result in the avoidable loss of lives and property.
We must enforce these regulations. We must make our buildings safe. We must provide quality projects for our people. This must never happen to us again!
At a time such as this, when Christians all over the world are preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, I call on all Christians and non-Christians, both in Akwa Ibom state and the rest of the country, to be more fervent in prayers to God, so that this season will not be one of tears and sorrow, but would truly be one of peace, joy, charity and goodwill to all men." Nsima Ekere.
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