Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State Government has expressed commitment to intensify efforts to improve maritime safety along the inland waterways across the state.
The Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo made the disclosure at a meeting with the Chairman and members of the State Steering Committee of the Maritime Safety Taskforce in Government House, Yenagoa.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Doubara Atasi, at the weekend, noted that the State Government was deeply concerned with the frequent occurrence of boat mishaps in the state which have often resulted in fatalities.
The Deputy Governor, who emphasized that the taskforce on the maritime sector was set up with a view to fully implementing maritime laws and regulations, called on boat drivers to obey the safety rules to prevent boat mishaps.
He warned that those who flout the rules will be arrested, prosecuted and punished accordingly with extant laws to serve as a deterrent to others.
Consequently, the Deputy Governor charged the taskforce to work closely with all relevant security agencies to effectively enforce maritime laws and regulations in the state
According to Senator Ewhrudjakpo, Bayelsa was the first littoral state to create the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy shortly after the federal government did so, to fully harness the abundant resources in the marine environment of the state.
His words: “As a Government, we are worried about the incessant boat mishaps on our waterways. You know that Bayelsa is the leading light among the littoral states because it is the first to create a Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy after the Federal Government.
“And so, we are now taking some measures to make our waterways safer. Yes, we know there are some inevitabilities. But we also believe some of the accidents are avoidable.
“So, we want to reduce the appetite of those who don’t want to obey safety rules. They either obey the rules or face the wrath of the law. We are taking these measures to ensure that our people are safe when they travel.”
The Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Faith Zibs-Godwin, Deputy Chief of Staff, Deputy Governor’s Office, Comrade Gowon Toruyouyei, the Permanent Secretary, Marine Ministry, Elder Olali Jonjon, and the State Chairman, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Comrade Ogoniba Ipigansi attended the meeting.
Other members of the Steering Committee in attendance included, Captain J. Ayim-Odu of the Nigerian Navy, CSP Arusu Ufuomanefe representing Marine Police, Dr Omodu Happy Pere-ela, Head of Legal, Engr Kenisuomein Saiyou, Head, Technical Operations and Mr Omonigbalibo Bolou, NIMASA Enforcement Officer.
