The Nigeria Medical Students Association (NIMSA) has expressed deep disappointment with the Cross River State Government’s lack of support, following a tragic boat mishap that claimed the lives of three of their members.
On the Let’s Talk Nigeria morning discourse programme on Sparkling FM, NIMSA National President Dr. Ejim Clement Egba and Dr. Zuo Sese, another key official, lamented the government’s neglect of their association and the affected families.
“It is disheartening that, up until now, three days after the unfortunate incident, neither the state government nor any official has reached out to us or even spoken with the survivors,” Dr. Egba expressed in anguish.
He continued, “We are currently in Cross River State, and this tragic incident happened here. It is only right and humane that the government shows concern and provides support.”
Dr. Egba also expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Professor Florence Obi, for her motherly role and empathy towards the victims and survivors.
While the survivors have all been discharged, the NIMSA officials remain in Calabar, awaiting communication from the government.
Responding to the criticism, an undisclosed government official stated that they would meet with the NIMSA officials shortly, after completing necessary preliminary steps. They also mentioned a scheduled meeting with the resort management, to be concluded by noon today, led by the Secretary to the State Government.
It is worth noting that state government officials had visited the Marina Resort on Saturday afternoon before Governor Bassey Otu ordered its immediate closure.
In a commendable move, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr., who represents the Cross River South Senatorial District, visited the 11 survivors at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital before their discharge.
