Pastor Arrested, Church Sealed Over Electrocution Of 5 People
Rivers Government has arrested an assistant pastor and sealed a church (names withheld) over electrocution of five people during the installation of a giant billboard at Obiri-Ikwerre flyover, Port Harcourt, in the state capital on Monday.
The billboard was being erected for the church under a high tension wire tension wire near Obiri Ikwerre flyover, along East West road when it fell on on electric pole leading to instant death of five of the workers involved in the construction.
Four others involved in the erection of the billboard also sustained different degrees of injury.
It was discovered at University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital that victims of the accident were hired by the church to mount billboard.
One of the workers, Emmanuel Osita, said he cannot confirm if the church got official approval from Rivers State Signage and Advertising Agency, RISSA, to erect the billboard.
However, director of RISSA, Tony Okeah, confirmed that people were shocked by electricity while mounting the billboard.
He said the billboard was being erected without approval.
Okeah also confirmed that the Pastor of the Church building had been sealed until investigations into the incident is concluded.
Also, the Rivers Signage and Advertising Agency (RISAA) in its first official reaction warned that it is the only agency empowered by law to approve all allocations of billboard sites, issue permits, collect levies, and supervise all outdoor and signage advertising in the state.
RISSA reiterated that the Agency regulates first party, second party, and third party clients and practitioners and does not own any billboard structures or signs.
The Agency said the public notice is intended to serve as a severe warning to individuals, residents, indegenes, and touts within communities in Rivers State who are currently installing subpar billboards without RISAA’s authorization.
The Agency laments the tragic occurrence that occurred while installing an unlawful billboard under a high tension cable at Obiri-ikwerre, which resulted in the deaths and hospitalizations of many persons.
RISAA said it never compromise on standards or professionalism when it comes to all external signage and billboard allocations in Rivers State.
The Agency warned that touts found engaging in any act that violates the use of billboards/ signage will be promptly detained and prosecuted.
RISAA restated that it remains the only Agency mandated by law to issue all permits, allocate billboard sites, collect levies, and oversee all outdoor and signage advertising in Rivers State.
