Following the recent boat accident that claimed several lives on Bonny Rivers in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, the chairman of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eastern Zone, Comrade Peter Igbifa has called on the Rivers State Government to declare a state of emergency in the marine transport sector, primarily to create a safer environment now and in the future.
Speaking to newsmen on the sad incident, Igbifa expressed deep concern and worries over the negligence of the marine transport sector, stressing the need for collaboration among various key stakeholders in the industry in order to forestall the ugly incident. The IYC boss who wept profusely upon hearing the news of the boat accident, called for a concerted effort to combat the frequent and ugly incident on the waterways.
He used the occasion to condole with the families of the victims who lost their lives, saying that he was touched by the sad scenarios. He narrated how his mother few years ago was involved in similar incident, but miraculously rescued to the glory of God.
Igbifa, however commended the quick response efforts of the caretaker chairman of Bonny LGA, but decried the neglect of the marine transport sector by past government and key players in the industry.
Based on frequent boat accidents on the waterways of Rivers and Akwa Ibom States, Igbifa has promised to set up marine taskforce to monitor marine operations and ensure sound safety compliance, efficient engines and boats that ply the rivers and other marine related problems.
He called on the Federal Ministry of transport to add value to Ijaw communities in Rivers and Akwa Ibom States, noting that these communities play host to the huge oil and gas facilities, as well as cabotage activities. Igbifa bemoaned the untold hardship suffered by these communities who protect federal and state investments, if even their operations hamper their fishing activities.
Igbifa further stressed that a joint supportive effort of all the tiers of government in partnership with IYC, Eastern Zone will go a long way in cushioning the effects of safety hazards in the waterways and creeks of the region, while also calling on the authorities of Nigerian Maritime Administration And Safety Agency (NIMASA) to support the initiatives of IYC, Eastern Zone on the proposed awareness and sensitization campaign on water safety in the grassroots.
On the constitution of the Taskforce, the vibrant and amiable leader said the composition will include core professionals with flare for marine transport sector. Mechanics, electricians, technicians he said would be involved to ascertain the efficiencies of the engines and equally determine replacement period, as well as the obsolete ones that needs to be replaced. This according to him will enhance efficiency and high safety standards.
Meanwhile, the former chairman of Bonny Transporters Association Unit, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Hon. Israel Pepple has commended the initiatives of the chairman of IYC, Eastern Zone, Peter Igbifa for his vision in tackling the hydra headed problem. The marine expert noted that the IYC chieftain has proved to be a quality leader who ideas will bring about lasting solution to the numerous boat mishap in the area.
He called on him to bring all stakeholders together to support his lofty ideas, pointing out that total collaboration will help the people achieve its objectives. ###
