The Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, and the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Bayelsa State were on Wednesday thrown into mourning with the loss of media personnel and Director Media and Publicity, APC campaign council, Perry Tobi Tukuwei Jr, in a boat mishap.
According to eyewitnesses, Tukuwei Jr. and some other journalists were on their way for the campaign tour of the APC governorship candidate to Okoroma-Tereke in Nembe Local Government Area of the State when the boat conveying them capsized.
Some occupants of the boat include Juri Avwarosuo of Arise Television, Solomon Unuwoma of Rhythm FM, and some medical personnel whom divers rescued, but they lost all their valuables.
While others, including the boat driver, were immediately rescued, Tukuwei Jr. was declared missing as of Wednesday night.
An eyewitness told our correspondent, “While they boarded the boat at Ogbia government jetty, the driver, after setting off, complained of a faulty engine plug. Another boat driver offered him a new plug, after changing the plugs and the engine picked, the driver decided to wait for other boats so they could move together, a big wave hit their boat and upturned it.
“Immediately, a rescue team jumped in to rescue the occupants. All were rescued except for Perry Tobi Tukuwei, who they said may drown immediately the incident occurred.”
Tukuwei Jr was a staff of the Africa Independent Television (AIT) before he was appointed the Director, Media for the APC Campaign Council.
When the news of the sad incident filtered into the NUJ, most journalists were shocked at the loss.
Another journalist and member of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) died a few days ago in his sleep.
Meanwhile, the Bayelsa State APC Governorship Campaign Council has suspended campaigns billed to be held on Thursday at Nembe-Ogbolomabiri and Nembe-Bassambiri.
The State Chairman of the APC, Barr. Dennis Otiotio, in a statement on Wednesday night, confirmed that the suspension of the campaign was due to the unfortunate incident.
According to him, “this is due to an unfortunate boat mishap during our campaigns today. At the moment, a ranking member of staff of our Campaign Council is yet to be accounted for.
“We have informed relevant authorities and search parties are on top of the situation.
“We will take a day’s break to evaluate the situation before we resume our campaigns on Friday at Nembe Ogbolomabiri and Nembe Bassambiri before heading to Brass LGA on Saturday and Sunday to conclude the Bayelsa East Campaigns.”
