EMOTION ran wild as officials of the  Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), fought back tears as the remains of the late  Managing Director of Global West Specialist Vessels, Captain Romeo Itima was lowered to the ground at Oporoza in Gbaramatu, Delta State.

A delegation from NIMASA’s Headquarters in Lagos, led by Executive Director in charge of  Cabotage and Maritime Labour Services, Barr. Obi Nwabueze, said that the agency is yet to get over the demise of Captain Itima, whom he described as very passionate about the nation’s economy.

It will be recalled that Captain Itima was attacked by suspected pirates when one of the newly acquired armoured boats went on a routine patrol check on the coastal waters about three weeks ago.

Nwabueze who represented the Director-General of NIMASA, Mr. Patrick Akpobolokemi, also stated that the entire maritime industry is deeply touched by the incident, adding that  the late Itima did not die in vain as both the agency and the management of Global West are stronger in their resolve to further checkmate the activities ot oil thieves and pirates activities on the nation’s coastal waters.

The Executive Director, who presented a condolence letter and unspecified amount of cash to the widow of the late Captain, noted that the absence of Itima from the firm has in no way affected the company’s operation.

He assured industry operators that the structures put in place by Itima has made it easy for who ever is coming as head of the firm to fit in with out any trouble.

He also stated that the ideals and visions for which Itima died would be up held by both the managements of NIMASA and Global West Vessels.

Speaking in similar vein, Deputy President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Henry  Ode, said that he saw Captain Itima a few times, adding that the few minutes of interaction he had with him portrayed him  as a very serious minded person.

He stated that even before he met with the late Itima, he had heard a lot of positive things about him.

“It is painful that we are gathering here to bury a man who was trying to stop the theft of the nation’s crude oil,” Nwabueze stated.|

Also speaking to Vanguard, NIMASA’s Head of Public -Private Partnership department, Mr. Rex Ellen said that the late Itima was a stinker for perfection and charged the staff of Global West to emulate the virtues of the late mariner.

Meanwhile, the immediate elder brother of the late Captain, Mr Winfred Itima, has been appointed the next Managing Director of the Marine security firm.

The newly appointed head of Global West Vessels said that he will continue from where his late borther stopped, while promising that he will do everything possible to keep the dreams and ideals of his brother alive.