Building collapse: Anglican bishops visit site as DMGS

 Authorities of the Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS) Onitsha, Anambra State have constituted panel of enquiry to ascertain immediate and remote causes of the collapse of the Centenary Building.

Bishop on the Niger, Rt Rev Dr Owen Nwokolo disclosed this during a sympathy visit of Anglican Bishops, Province of the Niger to the Diocese on the Niger over the incident.

He described the nine members of the panel as very credible people in building and construction, knowledgeable in societal management and law as well as people who could not be pushed around.

According to him, the panel had one month to submit its report, adding that if the body needed extra time, it would be obliged it.

“The body is made up of Hon. Justice Pete Obiora (Justice of the Appeal Court of Nigeria) as Chairman, Barr Sir Andy Obianwu as Secretary, Arc. while Sir Shed Onwuasonya and Dr Azuka Onweluzo are members.

“Other members include Engr Ofodile Anieto, Arc Peter Okpala, Sur. Samuel Akabogu, Engr Chukwunonso Igboka and Arc Kingsley Ibekwe,” he said.

The Prelates listed terms of reference for the panel to include: to examine the administrative and technical processes followed during the building to ensure that proper procedures were followed as well as to study the building plans to ensure that they meet the expected standards.

“The panel is expected to enquire whether approval was sought and obtained from the approving authority for the building to proceed and to enquire whether the architectural design of the building was by a qualified architect registered with Architects Registration Council of Nigeria.

“Other terms of reference are to enquire whether the structural design of the building was by a structural engineer registered with COREN and to ensure whether the building was properly supervised during the actual construction of the project,” the Bishop added.

While commending the bishops and the entire province for sympathising with the diocese in their difficult moment, Nwokolo appreciated them for the solidarity they demonstrated in course of the disaster.

“On behalf of the diocese, the Old Boys and current students of the DMGS, we thank you for the support you have so far extended to the diocese,” he added.

Earlier, leader of the delegation and Archbishop of the Province, Most Rev Dr Alexander Ibezim explained that the church needed protection, dignity and respect.

He said, “House of Bishops of the province and their parishioners deeply felt the disaster and decided to cominsurate with the diocese.

“Because God is always with His people, the tragedy could not go beyond what happened.

“It could have been a tragedy because a lot of lives could have been lost. But God is with His people, He did not allow the wishes of our enemies to come to pass.

“Anybody seeing this site will know that God is a living God. And even to say that maybe only one life was lost, shows that this God is a miraculous God. It also shows that the children and teachers are innocent.

“If the bishop will agree, we will, in fact, join the Diocese on the Niger to have thanksgiving in all the churches to thank God, because God saved the Church from embarrassing tragedy.

“We, as the Province, are standing with the Diocese on the Niger, especially during this difficult time. We now stand on the word of God to encourage Bishop Owen and the entire Diocese on the Niger because God has saved us all from embarrassment.”

The Bishops had, as early as 9am, converged at the site of the collapsed building where they had extensive chain prayers.