Governor Siminalayi Fubara has expressed shock and sadness at the news of the demise of Dr Herbert Wigwe, his wife Chizoba, his son and others in a helicopter crash in California, U.S.

Mr Fubara, in a statement on Sunday, described the incident as a “monumental disaster.”

Mr Fubara, on behalf of his family, the state government and the people of Rivers, commiserated with the Wigwe family over the incident.

Mr Fubara consoled the family, saying they should be comforted by God’s assurances of His love and outpouring global sympathy for the pain and loss.

“Rivers state and the nation are in tears because it would be difficult to understand this sweeping loss of a family involving a strong pillar, accomplished banker and philanthropist with tentacles in the education sector,” the governor said.

Mr Fubara noted that the Wigwe University, which Mr Wigwe pioneered, must not be allowed to die.

“Dr Herbert Wigwe rose to become one of the most outstanding African financial sector leaders and global figures, who superintended over the impressive growth of the Access Bank Group.

“He also established the Wigwe University in Isiokpo, the headquarters of Ikwerre Local Government Area, with a 60 per cent local and 40 per cent expatriate faculty population,” Mr Fubara said.

(NAN)