Church building collapse: Govs. Emmanuel, Okowa mourn, flags to be lowered in Akwa Ibom
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, has declared two days of mourning in honour of the victims of the collapsed Church building on Saturday.
The governor also ordered the immediate arrest of the contractor that handled the construction of the collapsed building.
The mourning would be over on Monday with a solemn gathering at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Uyo on Monday.
The Church , Reigners Bible Church building collapsed in Uyo during the worship period with the governor in attendance.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ekerete Udoh, said that flags are to be flown half- mast within the state during the days of mourning.
Governor Udom Emmanuel escaped unhurt but many people lost their lives while several others sustained various degrees of injuries.
Meanwhile, Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has expressed sadness over the death of several worshippers in the unfortunate collapse of the Reigners Bible Church building along Uyo Village road in Akwa-Ibom State.
Governor Okowa in statement on Saturday in Asaba, by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu said the tragic death of some worshippers in the church was a very sad experience and prayed for the repose of the souls of the faithful who departed.
“This is indeed a very sad story and very sad incident”, he particularly condoled with the Akwa-Ibom people and Governor Udom Emmanuel whom he said, was fortunate to have escaped by the whiskers.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Delta State I commiserate with Governor Udom Emmanuel and the people of Akwa-Ibom State over the unfortunate demise of several worshippers in the church.
The Governor reiterated his earlier call for legislation to regulate activities of workers in the construction and building industry, said “It is time to push for appropriate legislation that will regulate the training, licensing, hiring and compensation of workers in the construction and building industry; that is the way to fish out bad eggs, and enthrone standard and excellence in the industry because, the construction and building industry is so strategic that it cannot be left for every Tom, Dick and Harry,” he said.