Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, yesterday visited the family of the Nollywood make-up artist, Abigail Frederick, who was among the victims of the ill-fated flying Boat that claimed the lives of six artists including the popular actor, Junior Pope on the River Niger.
Tribute reports that, Governor Eno, on arrival from an official engagement in Abuja, on Saturday, drove straight to the family compound of late Abigail Edith Frederick, in Ikot Udoma, Eket Local Government Area, to console the bereaved family.
Showing deep emotions, Governor Eno, sat with the grieving family members, telling them that he felt their pain.
“This is deeply unfortunate, a young girl, 24 years old, who, finished her Youth Service just last year, and decided to pursue her passion.
“This is a reflection of our Arise spirit. It shows that our young people are willing to go out there, not begging, not waiting for handouts, but to pursue their passions.
“It is sad that her life ended the way it did.
“Once I was fully briefed, I decided to come here personally with the full complement of Government to console and encourage you.
“You are not just the Governor when people are celebrating. In times and moments like this, you become the Mourner-in-Chief and give them hope.
“I trust the Holy Spirit will perfect the hope in their lives.
“Coming here means we care. You know Akwa Ibomites are like Americans. We don’t leave each other behind. Government will be with the family and support them”. The governor noted.
He thereafter gave automatic employment in the State Civil Service to the surviving elder sister of the deceased and directed the SSA on Humanitarian Services, Umo Ekpo to renovate the family house and bring it to modern standard.
The Governor also assured of Government’s assistance to the two sisters of the bereaved who are undergraduates at the University of Uyo, said to be sponsored by the late Nollywood make-up artist.
In another development, the Governor demanded that the body of Abigail be exhumed and brought to the state for proper burial.
Reports have it that the body of Abigail Fredrick, who was among those involved in the boat accident alongside Junior Pope in Anambra State, has been recovered and laid to rest at the river bank.
According to the report, Abigail’s corpse and the cameraman were found on Thursday, April 11, following the tragic incident on Wednesday.
A film director, Moses Eskor, in a post via his social media page revealed that the family of the deceased could not afford the payment for certain traditional sacrifices for her corpse to be taken back home to Akwa Ibom.
He also said the money raised was insufficient for the traditional rites.
However, Governor Eno, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, demanded the Exhumation of Abigail’s corpse as soon as possible and be brought to him for proper and decent burial.
The statement reads, “His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, Governor, Akwa Ibom State, is aware of the boat mishap, which occurred a few days ago, on River Niger, involving some Nollywood actors and other supporting crew members while on a trip to a movie location.
“One of the victims of that accident, Miss Abigael Edith Frederick, was a quintessential example of our young people who have harkened to our clarion call for them to Arise and shine. She was a 24-year-old graduate of Theatre Arts, who had found her passion as a make-up artist.
“We are deeply saddened by her painful passing and on behalf of the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State, we sympathize with her family, the Nollywood community, and her friends and colleagues over this sad loss.
“We have also followed and read the reportage, especially on the social media platforms surrounding her burial, and wish to state categorically that, the government was not informed of the circumstances that led to her burial.
“His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, has consequently directed that her body be brought back to her family for a proper and decent burial.
“As the famous theme song of the Liverpool Football Club goes, the bereaved family will not “walk alone”. May her soul rest in peace.”
