YENAGOA/ Leading Niger Delta figure, Amb. Godknows Igali, on Wednesday visited some flood-ravaged areas of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State to sympathise with the affected residents and provide succour.
He assured them that besides his own relief support which was on the way, he would make sure the state and Federal Government intervene more timely by supplying them with food stuff and other needed materials.
At some communities in the local government, Amb. Igali, who had previously been an outstanding Ambassador and Technocrat, became emotional at the sight of families evacuating their properties from their flooded homes.
He said, “I walked over those disaster areas and I witnessed the very pathetic situation especially in Fonibiri, Emete, Kayanbiri, Eniwari and other communities and farms.
“ He said don’t worry, I’m here personally to see things for myself. I will follow up with Bayelsa State government and also with other concerned bodies like National Emergency Management Agency to continue to deploy relief materials to the IDP Camps and some homes, where residents have refused to leave.”
While commending Governor Henry Dickson, Deputy Governor, Adm Jonah, LGA Chairman, Hon Nigeria Kia and their team for prompt response to the situation, Igali stated that the extend of the damage and human displacement needed redoubled collective efforts from all including from voluntary organisations and individuals of goodwill.
The traditional rulers of the various communities, on their part, called on the state and Federal Government to work with experts to provide lasting solutions to the flood problems across the Niger Delta by creating dams that would absorb water from River Benue and River Niger.
One of the victims, Mr Ebiowei James, a farmer, described the damage caused by the flood as devastating, saying it had affected the residents’ means of livelihood. Mr. James who refused to leave his home, pleaded with the Federal and State Government to assist them to come out from the storm.
