Bayo Etema, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, has directed the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service to immediately set up a Panel of Inquiry to investigate yesterday building collapse in Uyo, the state capital.
A four-storey hotel building under construction at Iman street off Aka road on Saturday caved in while the construction workers were still working on the site, and and killed an unspecified number of people.
The Governor in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comrade Ini Ememobong, on Sunday expressed his deepest condolences to the families whose relatives were trapped and eventually died in the incident.
He said that the panel which will have one month to conclude its work, will make sure that those found responsible for the collapsed building will face the full wrath of the law, if it’s established that the incident was as a result of negligence or wrongdoing.
He said: “Following the unfortunate incident of the collapse of a four storey building on Iman street off Aka Road in Uyo, our state capital, His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has expressed his deepest condolences to the families whose relatives were trapped and eventually died in the collapsed building, while wishing the survivors a quick recovery. He has directed the Commissioner for Health to immediately take over the management of the survivors.
“Consequently, the Governor has directed the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service to immediately set up a Panel of Inquiry to investigate the unfortunate incident. The panel is to conclude its work within one month, and if it is found that the collapse of the building was as a result of any acts of negligence or wrongdoing, those responsible will face the full wrath of the law.
“The Governor also expressed his sincere appreciation to all the first responders, rescue and security agencies, Government Officials, voluntary organizations and all citizens who took part especially the construction companies that donated their equipment) in the rescue operation which lasted many hours.” He said.