Obi had described Junior Pope's death as yet another great loss to the entertainment industry, which according to him, has in recent years risen to become a vibrant sector of our social and economic life.
Mr Peter Obi, a former Labour Party presidential candidate has come under attack after offering his condolences to the family of the late Nollywood actor, Pope Obumneme Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope and four others in a boat accident on Wednesday.
The former Anambra State governor was lambasted for also taking a ride in a canoe without wearing a lifejacket as revealed in some of his pictures online.
SaharaReporters had earlier reported that Junior Pope, who drowned while attempting to cross the River Niger during the making of a movie, had finally been confirmed dead.
The National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Emeka Rollas, who confirmed Jr Pope’s death in an Instagram post in the early hours of Thursday, had in an update on Wednesday, on the incident, announced that the actor was revived and was receiving treatment in a hospital.
SaharaReporters had reported that the 39-year-old actor and some others drowned in the Delta State axis of River Niger while coming back from a movie location in a boat.
The actor would have turned 40 on May 7, 2024.
However, Obi on Thursday took to his X (formerly Twitter) handle to share his grief and offer his condolences to the families of the victims, Actors Guild of Nigeria and the entire Nigerian entertainment industry for the losses.
"I am shocked by the reports of the death of yet another vibrant Nollywood actor, Pope Obumneme Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope. Our entertainment industry, and indeed our dear nation, is once again thrown into mourning, by the death of this young talented actor," the former lamented.
"Junior Pope was known for his energetic acting, always comically delivered to entertain and educate. He brought smiles to the faces of many through his roles in movies and comedy skits."
He described Junior Pope's death as yet another great loss to the entertainment industry, which according to him, has in recent years risen to become a vibrant sector of our social and economic life.
He said, "I am even more saddened to imagine the pain and agony of the families they have just left behind.
"Death is a very painful experience, but the death of a young one with a promising future is even more devastating. I sincerely commiserate with his family and the families of others who also lost their lives in the boat accident.
"I also condole with the Actors Guild of Nigeria, and the entire entertainment industry. May God give them, and all of us, the fortitude to bear this sad irreplaceable loss, and grant eternal rest to the dead."
Shortly after the tweet, Obi came under attack from social media users for forgetting to tell Nigerians the importance of wearing a lifejacket and taking safety precautions before boarding a boat in his message.
They accused him of failing to offer such advice because he “doesn't abide by safety rules”.
They also shared pictures of him in a canoe without wearing a lifejacket.
For instance, @GoziconC wrote: "In this your long thread, you forgot to tell Nigerians the importance of wearing a Lifejacket and taking safety precautions before boarding a boat because you are also among those ignorant Nigerians."
@Mayordavid_9 wrote: "You are tiger mentor in not abiding to safety rules. You see what you have caused?
"No sensible person should look up to you as a leader."
@Adekbolaji wrote: "I hope you learn from this, all this your wakabout on water without necessary precautions was not a wise decision."
Similarly, @cbngov_akin1 accused Obi of being a bad example.
He wrote: "Sad you are a bad example in everything.
“May his soul rest in Peace"
@AgbaJude, however, advised him not to take a canoe or boat without wearing a lifejacket.
He wrote: "It's really a sad one. But don't try this again next time o Sir.
"You are a national treasure. We no wan hear story."
@luxlyangels listed nine safety measures that anyone going on a boat in a River line area must abide by, saying: wear a properly fitting life jacket, check the weather forecast before setting out, inform someone of your plans and estimated return time, bring essential safety equipment such as a first aid kit, whistle and flashlight, be aware of river's currents, obstacles and navigation rules, avoid alcohol consumption before or during the ride, keep a safe distance from other boats and wildlife, stay seated while the boat is in motion, know how to swim or ensure someone on board does, and consider taking a boating safety course for additional knowledge and skills.
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