>
Bayelsa state is mourning the death of prominent Bayelsa women politicians who died in a ghastly auto crash near Old Ahoada Market road along East-West road, Rivers State.
The women, who were members of Dame Patience Jonathan’s female wing of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) known as Women For Change Initiative, were on their way back to Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, from the Port Harcourt International Airport, where they went to see off Mrs Patience Jonathan, wife of President Goodluck Jonathan.
Among those who lost their lives include the wife of Prof. Edmond Oguru, the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Elizabeth Allison-Oguru, former member of the State House of Assembly from Brass Local Government and Special Adviser to Governor Seriake Dickson, Mrs. Ruby Benjamin, a former Commissioner for Women Affairs under the administration of Gov. Timipre Sylva, Hon. Gimbra Panowei, and Woman Leader from Otuoke Community in Ogbia Local Government, Madam Consider Amadi.
Also killed in the accident was the wife of the owner of a popular Montessori school known as Ayakpo International schools, Mrs. Inamamu Ayakpor.
Also involved in the auto crash was Mrs Ebisinte Ayabowei, a former Bayelsa State commissioner, while the former commissioner for Transport, Mrs.Marie Ebikake, who was recently sacked by Governor Seriake Dickson’s administration for alleged disloyalty to his administration, was also in Okrika on a private visit but was reported to have driven back to Yenagoa in a separate vehicle and escaped being part of the ill-fated journey to the airport.
According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), 29 passengers in three separate vehicles were involved in the accident, and 18 persons were reportedly injured, while 11 others were burnt beyond recognition.
The three vehicles involved were identified as a Toyota Hiace Bus with registration number GBB 591 FS, Toyota Sienna with registration number ABU 640 AE and Toyota Highlander SUV with registration number, YEN 371 RJ.
In the first official reaction, the Bayelsa State Governor, Henry Seriake Dickson, in a signed statement by his Chief Press Secretary, CPS, Daniel Iwariso-Markson, expressed deep pains, shock and grief over the incident as tragic, a monumental and a painful loss to the state.
Governor Dickson also prayed God to grant the bereaved families the courage and strength to bear the very painful and irreparable losses.
Meanwhile, a Government House statement says all official engagements of the Governor have been suspended for three days as a mark of honour and respect for the souls of the departed women.
Wife of the President, Patience Jonathan, on Sunday commiserated with the Bayelsa Government over the death of the women.
A statement by her Media Assistant, Mr Ayo Adewuyi, in Abuja said “the First Lady prays the Almighty God to grant the souls of the deceased eternal rest.
“She also prays God to give the families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” the statement said.
Source: PM News