The Bonny Local Government Council has clarified that the ban on waterplay is due to the unfortunate incidents of the play in 2023 which include the death of one person, destruction of properties and splashing of urine on people.

This clarification was made on Monday, December 16, 2024 by the Chairman of Bonny LGA, Anengi Claude-Wilcox, through her Chief Press Secretary, Boma Waribor, via a statement in Bonny, Rivers State.

The statement revealed that this activity, which reportedly started as a game amongst a set of individuals escalated into a fun game by a group of people and became a yearly activity.

However, in the course of the play in 2023, there was a cult clash that resulted in the death of an individual.

The Bonny LGA Chief Executive stated that the decision to ban water play during the 2024 Yuletide season was taken in the public interest with a view to preserving the lives and properties of both residents and visitors alike.

“The role of protecting lives and property rests on the shoulders of the Executive Chairman. It is one of her most crucial assignments which she understands very well and holds in high esteem.”

“Sometimes, in going about this role, slight inconveniences might be felt, however, the greater good is her ultimate interest. She understands the role of tourism in development and acknowledges that it is our unique selling proposition as a people.”

“But tourism only functions in an environment of peace, security, order and collaboration which underscores her operational dynamics. In the long run, the dividends of this strategy will be clear to all.”

Claude-Wilcox further reiterated that the ban on water play, restriction on use of fireworks and display of commercial wares by traders along Court Road through Allison Square and Ikuba Square remain in force and defaulters will be sanctioned accordingly by law enforcement agencies.

She appealed to both residents and visitors to adhere to the stated restrictions and go about their lawful activities as they celebrate the Yuletide season.  

“The famed water play, although in existence years ago, attained its crescendo in December 2023. It had started after the stoppage of fireworks, escalating to a free-for-all.”

“Last year’s edition recorded the bath of urine on individuals and most, unfortunately, snowballed to the death of one person, with many casualties, and the misplacement/looting of personal effects.”

“The Local Government, upon getting wind of this unfortunate development, swung into action, ensuring normalcy was restored. As a responsible government, an armchair decision was not just dished out to contain the incident.”

“Investigation was carried out, consultations were reached, and analysis were made, culminating in a joint stakeholders’ meeting on this singular matter.”

“The meeting, which was held on December 6, 2024, comprised of the Executive Chairman, Dame Hon. Anengi Barasua Claude-Wilcox, DSSRS, JP., and other government officials, the Bonny Chiefs Council, together with a good number of titled citizens, and representatives of government security agencies.”

“The outcome of the strategic meeting strongly hinged on the need for the outright ban of the water play which has been effected and is the state of affairs as at today.”

“To buttress the fact that the decision was borne out of a joint stakeholders meeting, see link to the official position of the Bonny Chiefs Council on the water play: https://kristinareports.com/bonny-chiefs-council-warns-against-waterplay-urges-responsible-christmas-celebrations”

“As much as fun, pleasure and entertainment are chief among the goals of the season, no one should die, sustain injury or experience loss. The rave of the season is not worth the blood of any Bonny person or resident.”

“The government cannot afford to allow the occurrence of an event that portends the likelihood of retaliation. The implication of such cannot be fully contemplated or measured until it transpires.”

The Bonny social media space has been awash with criticism of the ban since it was announced on Sunday, December 15, 2024 with netizens adducing diverse colorations to the decision of the government.

Concerned watchers of the development, however, view the decision of the government in tandem with stakeholders as trite, apt and succinct given the need to sustain the agelong status of Bonny Island as a peaceful, hospitable and accommodating environment.