The Chairmen of Andoni and Bonny Local Government Areas of Rivers State, Erastus Awortu, PhD, and Dame Anengi Claude-Wilcox have contributed to the avalanche of sympathy pouring out on families of victims and survivors of the recent boat mishap on Bonny River.

Both Chairmen were at Amariari Fishing Settlement in Finima Community in Bonny LGA on Friday, January 12, 2024 to condole with the affected families.

Represented by her Vice, Wariopusenibo Omoni Longjohn, the Bonny LGA Chairman, who received her counterpart, Dr. Awortu when the latter arrived Bonny, encouraged the bereaved families, especially, Mr. Promise Festus, who lost his five children, to take heart, saying that her administration is aware of his ordeal and extends its sympathy.

Promising to stand by the Andoni residents in Bonny, Dame Claude-Wilcox donated the sum of N1.5million as palliative to the bereaved families, adding that it is not a compensation for their loss but a prove of her government’s unwavering support to them.

She also commended her Andoni LGA counterpart, Dr Erastus Awortu, as well as his kinsmen resident in Bonny for their solidarity to the affected families during their time of distress.

On his part, the Chairman of Andoni LGA, Erastus Awortu, PhD, expressed his heartfelt pain over the incident, admonishing residents to apply safety measures while plying the waterways to avoid such tragedy as has happened.

He pledged his administration’s support to the families, canvassing for peace and unity in the neighbourhood.

Responding, some members of the bereaved families and other community members appreciated the efforts of the local government council chairmen in mustering support for them and ensuring sustainable peace and progress in their respective domains.

They noted that this is the first time the Andoni LGA Chairman is visiting his kinsmen in Bonny, asserting that it gives them a sense of belonging and feeling of honour.

Among the entourage of local council chairmen were political party chieftains, community leaders and aides, amongst others.