ONC PG, Ambassador Ibe Expresses Serious Concerns About Flooding
Following warning from the Federal Ministry of Environment about heavy rainfall and alert from the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), that the four hydro-electric dams – Shiroro, Jebba, Kainji and Zungeru – located in Niger State will release excess water any moment from now, the President General of the apex Niger Delta socio-cultural group, Orashi National Congress, ONC, Amb Comrade Emeni Ibe, has raised concerns about the welfare of the people that may likely be affected.
While reacting to the development, Amb Comrade Ibe said, “The disturbing news about the release of water from the dams should prompt corresponding immediate actions from the Federal, State and Local Government authorities”.
“It is not enough to alert communities in the riverine areas to relocate upstream to avoid the impending disaster. Government at different levels and emergency agencies should endeavour to provide needed assistance to support the citizens that may likely be affected.”
“Coming from the Orashi region, which had suffered huge losses in the past, I therefore appeal to the relevant authorities to take proactive measures and not wait until the disaster takes place.”
“The Orashi National Congress, ONC, has been sensitising the general public, especially people in Rivers State and Orashi region in particular. We equally use this medium to advise our communities to limit activities around riverbanks during this period to avoid adverse impacts of flooding. Similarly, people living in riverine areas should relocate to safer grounds already identified” Amb Comrade Emeni Ibe (JP AP) advised.