Governor Bassey Otu Takes Action Following Boat Accident at Marina Resort
PulseNets reports that Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has issued a ban on all activities at Marina Resort until further notice in response to a recent boat accident on the Calabar waterways. The governor’s spokesperson, Emmanuel Ogbeche, conveyed this directive through a press statement.
Governor Otu has instructed the state Ministry of Transport to conduct a comprehensive review of the safety standards and conditions of all boats operating in the Calabar waterways. In order to address the concerns raised, a meeting between cruise boat operators and the State Tourism Bureau has been scheduled for Tuesday, as announced by Ogbeche.
The press statement highlighted the importance of assessing the safety standards and conditions of all boats operating in the Calabar waterways, not limited to cruise boat operations. Governor Otu expressed his deep concern regarding the safety standards at Marina Resort, and he made it clear that severe sanctions would be imposed on anyone found responsible for compromising safety.
Governor Otu, both as a governor and a parent, expressed his sadness and concern over the boat mishap at Marina Resort. He emphasized that the overcrowding of the boat and the absence of life jackets among some passengers were particularly alarming.
Governor Otu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and creating a conducive environment for business, tourism, and peaceful living. He firmly stated that any actions that could hinder these objectives would not be tolerated.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Medical Students Association (NIMSA) has placed blame on the management of Marina Resort Calabar for the boat mishap, which resulted in the drowning of their fellow students.
The national president of NIMSA, Egim Egbe, criticized the negligence, incompetence, and lackadaisical attitude of the crew members and resort management. He regarded the incident as an avoidable tragedy that has caused significant distress within the medical student community nationwide.
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As search and rescue efforts continue, three out of the thirteen NIMSA students who embarked on a boat cruise at Marina Resort in Calabar, Cross River State, are still missing.
Among the missing are three medical students, two from Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria and one from the University of Uyo in Akwa Ibom State.
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