Church Collapse: NDDC boss calls for adherence to regulations and standards
The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mr Nsima Ekere, has charged the Akwa Ibom government and other states of the Niger Delta region, as well as the Federal Government to ensure, at all times, that proper and appropriate regulations, measures and standards are put in place and adhered to in construction and physical infrastructure projects.
Mr. Ekere gave the advice in a press statement he signed yesterday in the wake of the collapse of building housing Reigners Bible Church, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, while thousands of worshippers were inside. He described the incident as “most shocking, horrifying and heart-rending tragedy.”
He said that he was deeply concerned as a building professional, stating that the tragic accident should not have occurred in the first place. He added: “I believe Government should leave no stone unturned in identifying those whose actions or inactions are found to have contributed to this sad accident.”
Mr Ekere said that the consequences of negligence were dire as shown by the number of casualties that have been recorded in this particular instance. He stressed that negligence or culpability sowed the seed for avoidable loss of lives and property.
He declared: “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!”
The NDDC boss expressed his sympathies and condolences to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Udom Emmanuel, who was inside the church at the time. He said: “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.”
Mr Ekere prayed for the repose of the souls of the dead and God’s healing upon those who were at different hospitals with 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,” he said.
He said further: “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.”
