Cross River State Governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu, has ordered investigation into the cruise boat accident involving 14 medical students at the Marina Resort in Calabar, the state Capital.
The Governor’s directives were conveyed in a press statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Ogbeche, and made available to the press on Saturday June 24, 2023.
The Governor said he was saddened that three of the medical students, who came to Calabar for the Nigeria Medical Students Games, are yet-to-be found. He further charged security and rescue agencies as well as villagers involved in the operations to find the missing students so they will be reunited with their families.
Also, Governor Otu decried the safety standards at the resort, vowing that anyone found guilty of having compromised on safety would be severely sanctioned.
His words “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 objectives will not be tolerated,” he stated.
He further expressed his joy that all but 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 the villagers who responded swiftly and rescued 11 of the 14 passengers on the boat.
