Amb Emeni Ibe Appeals To Gov Fubara To Reactivate Rivers State Flood Committee 

President General of the Orashi National Congress, ONC, Ambassador Emeni Ibe, JP, AP, has written to Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, urging the immediate reinstatement of the Rivers State Flood Committee and urgent intervention to address flooding across the state.

In an open letter addressed to the Governor, Ambassador Ibe said the recurring floods in the Orashi Region and other parts of Rivers State continue to pose serious threats to lives, properties, farmlands and businesses.

Ambassador Ibe noted that recent flooding incidents, including one witnessed in parts of Erema Town, highlight the urgent need for proactive measures.

“In many affected communities, inadequate drainage infrastructure, blocked and outdated drainage channels and obstructed natural watercourses have contributed significantly to the problem,” he stated.

He said while emergency responses are important, the situation demands a coordinated and sustainable approach to flood prevention and management.

Against this background, ONC appealed to Governor Fubara to reinstate and strengthen the Rivers State Flood Committee, or establish an appropriate state-level flood management structure.

According to the letter, such a body should be saddled with the responsibility of continuously monitoring flood-prone areas and coordinating preventive and emergency responses.

“In our considered view, this mechanism would assist the State Government in identifying vulnerable communities ahead of major rainfall, assessing existing drainage infrastructure, clearing obstructed water channels and recommending sustainable engineering solutions before flooding occurs,” Ambassador Ibe wrote.

The ONC President General also appealed to the Governor to direct relevant government agencies to undertake a comprehensive assessment of drainage systems across the Orashi Region.

He specifically requested attention for communities that have consistently experienced flooding, with a view to reconstructing inadequate drainage facilities and restoring natural water channels.

Ambassador Ibe stressed that flooding goes beyond environmental damage, noting that it destroys homes, businesses, farmlands and personal belongings, thereby worsening hardship for families.

“Every flood places additional hardship on families and communities. We therefore believe that prevention, preparedness and early intervention remain the most effective approaches to reducing the devastating consequences of flooding,” he said.

ONC urged Governor Fubara to give the appeal favourable consideration and take decisive steps towards strengthening flood management and drainage infrastructure across Rivers State.

“We remain confident that, under Your Excellency’s leadership, the State Government can develop a coordinated and sustainable response that will protect vulnerable communities and safeguard the lives and properties of our people,” the letter concluded.

The Orashi National Congress said it will continue to partner with the state government to ensure communities are protected ahead of the peak of the rainy season.