Ebonyi Govt Sympathises With Flood Victims, Assures Of Intervention
By Alex Odeh | Pan Afric Reporters
The Ebonyi State Government under Governor Francis Nwifuru, has expressed sympathy to residents of Akaeze, especially those who were victims of the recent flooding incident which occurred in the area resulting in the displacement of households and destruction of farmlands, crops, properties and other means of livelihood.
A press statement issued on Sunday to journalists in Abakalki and signed by the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barrister Ikeuwa Omebeh, disclosed that the state government has directed the Ebonyi State Emergency Management Agency (ESEMA) to intensify its assessment of the affected areas and coordinate appropriate emergency-response measures, including relief, rehabilitation and other forms of support required to mitigate the impact of the flooding.
According to the Commissioner, the government acknowledges the hardship and disruption occasioned by the incident and sympathises with families and communities whose livelihoods have been adversely affected by the disaster.
The statement reads: “In response to the situation, the state government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Bldr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has directed the Ebonyi State Emergency Management Agency (ESEMA) to intensify its assessment of the affected areas and coordinate appropriate emergency-response measures, including relief, rehabilitation and other forms of support required to mitigate the impact of the flooding.
“The state government is also engaging relevant federal emergency-management institutions, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), for complementary intervention and support to affected communities, in line with established intergovernmental disaster-response mechanisms.
“The government reiterates that the welfare and security of the people remain central to the People’s Charter of Needs administration of Governor Nwifuru.
“Accordingly, no effort will be spared in addressing the immediate humanitarian needs of affected residents while also pursuing measures aimed at restoring livelihoods and strengthening community resilience against future climate-related and environmental emergencies.
“While the government recognises the seriousness of the situation, it urges affected residents to remain calm and cooperate fully with emergency-response officials conducting assessments and coordinating relief operations.
“Residents are also advised to avoid returning prematurely to flood-prone areas or occupying structurally compromised buildings until such locations have been declared safe by the appropriate authorities.
“The government further cautions against the politicisation of natural disasters or the exploitation of the plight of affected citizens for partisan purposes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“While political actors have the constitutional right to canvas for public support, the government considers it important that public discourse remains issue-based, responsible and devoid of inflammatory rhetoric capable of aggravating the anxiety and vulnerability of disaster-affected communities.
“The government therefore calls on political parties, candidates, community leaders and other stakeholders to demonstrate restraint and place the safety, dignity and welfare of citizens above partisan considerations, particularly in moments of humanitarian distress.
“The state government equally urges residents to take seriously weather and flood alerts issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and other competent authorities.
“Residents in flood-prone communities are advised to monitor official weather forecasts and early-warning information, comply with evacuation advisories where necessary, avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges and waterways, and promptly report emerging threats to the relevant emergency-response agencies.
“The government appreciates the resilience and community spirit demonstrated by residents, traditional institutions, local government authorities, security agencies, first responders, humanitarian organisations and other stakeholders in responding to the incident.
“The administration of Governor Nwifuru remains committed to protecting lives, safeguarding livelihoods and delivering sustainable development across Ebonyi State.
“Government intervention will continue to be guided by verified assessments of needs and the overriding objective of ensuring that affected citizens receive appropriate assistance while measures are strengthened to reduce vulnerability to future flooding and other natural hazards.
“The government therefore reassures the people of Akaeze, Ivo Local Government Area, and all other affected communities that they are not alone in this difficult period. Appropriate government institutions have been activated, and necessary interventions will continue as assessments and response operations progress”, he assured.
