By: Felix Ikpotor
A Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Governorship aspirant for the 2023 general elections in Rivers State , Hon. Doctor Farah Dagogo, has lamented the Monday fire incident at the Bonny/Bille/Nembe jetty in Port Harcourt , describing it as ‘a disaster too many’.
Port Harcourt Spectator reports that over ten persons including infants and pregnant women were burnt at the jetty during the early hours of Monday as a market boat reportedly went into flames.
He stated this in a statement by his media aide, Ibrahim Lawal.
While offering condolences to the families of the deceased, Dagogo enjoined all to join hands with relevant government agencies and come up with workable solution that would stem the tide of recurrence of the ‘very ugly incident’.
Dagogo, who is the member representing Degema/ Bonny Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, recommended a holistic approach by relevant agencies to the retraining of fire fighters and boat operators on how to curtail fire incidents , periodic and thorough check on the worthiness of their equipments, effectiveness in the monitoring activities of marine operations and need for those saddled with the management of jetties, including boat owners and boat drivers, to be alive to their responsibilities in sensitizing the people on best security practices.
” I am deeply saddened by the news of this huge disaster on the Bonny/Bille/Nembe jetty. It is more painful that majority of the lives lost were in their prime who no doubt would have contributed immensely to the development and growth of Rivers State.
“At this time and period of mourning, I pray the Almighty God grant the bereaved families the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. May He also give the families the strength and the comfort that will see them through this very difficult and trying times.
“This ill fated fire incident is one too many. Recalled that recently, there were similar occurrences on other parts of the state. I think it is high time we had an enlarged stakeholders meeting with relevant government agencies and proffer lasting and sustainable solutions to these very ugly incidents.
“We all cannot allow things to go on like this while we continue to lose lives of loved ones,” he lamented.
