Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has expressed sadness over the death of several worshippers in the unfortunate collapse of the Reigners Bible Church building in Akwa Ibom.
Okowa, who expressed his sympathy in a statement issued on Sunday in Asaba by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Charles Aniagwu, described the death as a sad experience.
He said that there was an urgent need for legislation to regulate the activities in the construction and building industry to check the reoccurring incidents of building collapse in the country.
Okowa prayed for the repose of the departed faithful and condoled with the Akwa Ibom people and Gov. Emmanuel Udom who was fortunate to have escaped by whiskers.
“This is indeed a sad story and very sad incident”.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Delta State I commiserate with Gov. Udom and the people of Akwa Ibom State over the unfortunate demise of several worshippers in the church.
“It is time to push for appropriate legislation that will regulate the training, licensing, hiring and compensation of workers in the construction and building industry.
“That is the only way to fish out bad eggs, and enthrone standard and excellence in the industry.
“The construction and building industry is so strategic that it cannot be left for people who are not expert in the system,’’ he said. (NAN)