By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State Government has said that all professional laxity surrounding the December 10, 2016 collapse of Reigners Bible Church building in Uyo, will be decisively punished to save the future.
A release signed by the commissioner for information and strategies, Mr. Charles Udoh on Friday, stated that government decision followed a detailed review of the commission of inquiry’s report and its recommendation on the sad incident.
The release states that the state attorney general and commissioner for justice has been directed to take up the matter and bring all offenders to face the wrath of the law.
“The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice has been mandated to commence the process of taking appropriate actions against all persons found culpable in the church building collapse. All cases of proven professional negligence will be dealt with decisively within the ambit of the law.”
It would be recalled that during the tragedy, Governor Udom Emmanuel who was among the worshipers at the church escaped death by whiskers while over 30 persons including children were confirmed dead.
In a swift reaction to it, Governor Emmanuel had set up a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances which led to the unfortunate incident and recommend measures to forestall future occurrence.
The committee which was headed by retired Justice Umokoyo Essang had since submitted its report and recommendation to the state government for further action.
Meanwhile the release has also stated that all verified outstanding bills for treatment of victims in the various hospitals in Uyo have been fully paid up by the state government.
While reiterating its avowed commitment to the protection of lives and property, the state government has once again commiserated with families of the victims of the Reigners Church building collapse and prayed the Almighty God to comfort them.
It also acknowledged the support, understanding and patience demonstrated by the bereaved families, injured persons and the public during the period of investigation. Government also extends its gratitude to the various hospitals and clinics in Uyo that attended to victims promptly.
