Rivers State Governor, Bassey Otu, has ordered an investigation into the boat mishap which occured at the popular Marina Resort in Calabar, the state capital.
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Ogbeche, the governor expressed sadness that three of the medical students, who were in Calabar for the Nigeria Medical Students Games, had yet to be found.
The governor charged security and rescue agencies as well as local villagers involved in the operations to find the missing students and reunite them with their families.
Governor Otu who decried the safety standards at the resort, vowed that anyone found guilty to have compromised on safety would be severely sanctioned.
“The news of a cruise boat mishap at the Marina Resort, a tourist and relaxation destination in Calabar, is saddening and calls for concern not only as your governor but as a parent.
“To imagine that the boat was overcrowded and some of those on it were without life jackets is of even greater concern, and the more reason why the state government will be investigating the incident and all those found culpable of having compromised on safety standards will face the wrath of the law.
“As a government, our administration remains committed to protecting the sanctity of life and providing an enabling environment for business, tourism and peaceable living. Therefore, any untoward action that could derail our objective will not be tolerated,” the governor stated.
He further expressed his joy that all but for one of the rescued students were out of hospital and was confident that the remaining one will pull through as doctors say he is stable and responding to treatment.
Governor Otu was full of praise for personnel of the Nigerian Navy and local villagers who responded swiftly to the hapless revellers and rescued 11 of the 14 passengers on the boat
