Billboard Electrocution: Rivers Govt. Arrests Pastor, seals Church over death of five

Rivers State Government has arrested the Assistant Pastor and sealed the Church (names withheld) that contracted out welders who attempted to erect the ill-fated Billboard that led to the electrocution of five persons and injuring four at Obiri-Ikwerre flyover, Port Harcourt on Monday.

The Church Billboard was being erected under a high tension wire tension wire near Obiri Ikwerre flyover, along East West road leading to the electric shock and instant death of five, while four others sustained different degrees of injury.

One of their colleagues, Emmanuel Osita, however explained that he could not confirm if the Church got the official approval from the State Government through the Rivers State Signage and Advertising Agency RISSA that regulates outdoor advertising for Rivers State.

 Director of Rivers State Signage and Advertising Agency (RISSA) Tony Okeah, said Nine persons who was shocked by electric, were mounting the billboard without approval.

Okeah confirmed that the Pastor has been arrested, the Church building had been sealed until investigations into the incident is concluded.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Signage and Advertising Agency (RISAA) in the first official reaction warned that it is the only agency required by law to approve all allocations of billboard sites, issue permits, collect levies, and supervise all outdoor and signage advertising in Rivers State.

RISSA reiterated that the Agency solely 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 several 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 tout found engaging in any act that violates the use of billboards/ signages 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. As at thus, has a duty to uphold rules, confiscate assets of any infringers, and take legal actions against them.