The Iraq parliament has voted on Sunday, March 24, 2019, to sack Nineveh provincial governor Nawfel Akoub and his two deputies, following the tragic sinking of a ferry in the Tigris River that killed nearly 100 people on Thursday, March 21, 2019.

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mehdi called on firing Nineveh provincial governor, citing "negligence and concrete failings" meriting his dismissal.

Angry residents of Mosul have earlier protested against Nawfel Akoub, demanding his firing and dozens of students held a silent protest on the campus of the University of Mosul, dressed in black to mourn the victims.

Almost 97 people were killed, while 63 people are still listed as missing, a security official stated, adding that sixteen people have been arrested as part of an investigation into the ferry capsize. 

Iraqi Prime Minister ordered an investigation into the incident, which residents blamed on corruption and lack of rescue means.

 Also read: King condoles Iraqi president over victims of ferry sinking tragedy