Collapsed Water Tank: LOC berates the media over sensational report …Okowa orders a probe of the incident

…Okowa orders a probe of the incident

By Unue Emeka,

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The Media department of the Asaba 2018 LOC has berated a section of the media over what it termed ‘sensational report,’ over collapsed water tank under construction behind the main bowl of the Stephen Keshi Stadium during the ongoing African Senior Athletics Championships holding in Asaba which destroyed some cars parked close to it.

Following the collapsed of the water tank, which sparked criticism over the standard of work done at the Stadium, Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has ordered an investigation into the remote and immediate cause of the collapsed Water Tank.

In a statement issued by Olukayode Thomas, the Head of Media and Publicity for the CAA Asaba 2018, he faulted the way the incidence was reported to give a wrong perception of what actually happened.

According to him; “It is unfortunate to see journalists deliberately chose not to be professional in their work. The area in question is far away from the stadium where the championship is taking place. It is also still under construction; hence no one has passed it fit for use. None of this was put in context but the reporter only chose to take the shine off the good work the Delta state government is doing and the excitement the African athletes are having in Asaba since the championship kicked off on Wednesday.

Thomas also explained that the affected cars were all outside the stadium contrary to how the report was projected.

“I am available for anyone to ask questions and seek clarity on issues, I cannot stop anybody for doing their job, but it is only proper for journalists to be factual and be balance in their reporting.”

While Thomas thanked all the media practitioners that have been giving so much publicity to the 21st African Championship which entered its third day of action on Friday, he encouraged them to also be thorough in their reports

Already, the IAAF President Sebastian Coe and his counterparts in the Confederation of African Athletics, Hammad Kalkaba has given commendations to the Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa for providing a legacy in Delta state with the Stephen Keshi stadium and other facilities put in place for the African Championships.

Reacting to the development, the Delta State Governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu, described the incident as regrettable but thanked God that no life was lost, stressing that an investigation would be initiated to unravel the circumstances surrounding the collapse of the water tank.

He also emphasized that disciplinary actions will be taken against anyone culpable in the collapse of the water tank if it is discovered that someone failed to do the right thing ab initio.

The statement further assured that Government will take necessary steps to avert future occurrence.

He called on the Athletes and the very enthusiastic spectators to continue to savor the beauty of the competition which so far has recorded appreciable success.