By Fejiro Oghojafor
The leadership of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, has commiserated with the families of those who lost their lives in the ill-fated helicopter crash which happened in River State two days ago.
In a press statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Chief Dr. Obiuwevbi Christopher Ominimini Ph.D, the Forum also expressed sympathy with the Federal Government of Nigeria, the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and the government and people of River State over the loss of the lives of the eight passengers and crew members on board the ill-fated chopper.
The Forum lamented that it was a dark day the people and government of River State, the Federal Government and the Petroleum industry for the loss of the young and energetic oil workers at such a time when their services have become so invaluable in the oil sector.
“PANDEF received with shock the news of the passing on of eight persons in the Helicopter crash that was carrying oil workers from Port Harcourt Military base, DNPM to FPSO NUIM ANTAN OIL RIG (offshore Calabar).
“On behalf of the National Leader, Chief Dr. Edwin K. Clark, OFR, CON, the Board of Trustees, the National Executive Committee and the entire membership of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the National Chairman of the Forum, Amb.Godknows Igali, Ph.D hereby extend our heartfelt condolences to the family members of those on board
the Eastwind Aviation helicopter that crashed on Thursday into Bonny River, in Rivers State, claiming the lives of its eight occupants.
“PANDEF also condoles with the Federal Government, the management of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, the Rivers State government and the management of East Wind Aviation over the tragic and very unfortunate incident.
“PANDEF is saddened by the news of the helicopter with registration 5NBQG and operated by East Wind Aviation, that was carrying eight persons, six passengers and two crew members on board which took off from the Port Harcourt Military base, DNPM to FPSO NUIM ANTAN OIL RIG (offshore Calabar), before it crashed few minutes before it arrived at its destination.
“PANDEF notes that it was a dark day for the Rivers State, the Federal Government, especially the Aviation sector, where energetic persons who were oil workers and contract staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL died in the process”, the Forum said.
While mourning the death of the victims of the unfortunate incident, PANDEF prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed, asking God to grant the families the fortitude to beat the irreparable loss of their loved ones.
“PANDEF mourns the loss of the oil workers, whose passing on is an overwhelming tragedy that is shocking beyond comprehension.
“PANDEF prays for the repose of the departed and prayed God Almighty to comfort the grieving Nigerians and the families of the deceased at this deeply agonising moment”, the statement further noted.
The Forum used to opportunity to “call on all relevant agencies to ensure no stone is left unturned in unearthing the immediate and remote causes of this tragic occurrence and all the measures required to be put in place to forestall any further occurrence”.
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