Cross River State governor Bassey Otu has ordered an investigation into the boat mishap involving 14 medical students at the popular Marina Resort in Calabar, the state capital.
He lauded authorities of the Nigerian Navy for quickly responding to the plight of the drowning students and rescued 11 of them.
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Otu’s statement from his chief press secretary Emmanuel Ogbeche, expressed sadness over the mishap that has left three of the 14 medical students who were involved in the boat cruise still missing.
The governor urged security agencies as well as local sea divers involved in the search for the missing students to intensify their effort so that they could be found and reunited with their family members.
The governor lamented over the safety standards at the resort, and promised to sanction those responsible for compromising the safety standards at the resort.
In his words Otu said, “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,” Otu said.