The President General of respected Niger Delta socio-cultural group, the Orashi National Congress, ONC, Amb. Emeni Ibe (JP AP), has raised serious concerns over the alleged mismanagement of flood relief materials in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, accusing the authorities of sidelining key stakeholders and diverting relief items meant for victims.
In a follow-up statement in Ahoada, Amb. Ibe disclosed that beyond the earlier exclusion of the Congress from observing the distribution process, new findings reveal that Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) centres in the area are not adequately equipped to accommodate and support displaced families.
He alleged that contrary to the directive of the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Prof. Mrs. Ngozi Nma Odu—who emphasized fairness, transparency, and priority for the most affected—the relief materials supplied are reportedly being shared among political associates of the Local Government Chairman.
Amb. Ibe described the development as “a serious violation of public trust,” noting that displaced persons are suffering without essential resources while materials intended for them are allegedly diverted for political compensation.
He reaffirmed that the Ahoada East Local Government Chairman had earlier promised to involve the ONC, as a major stakeholder in the region, in monitoring the relief distribution. The alleged breach of this assurance, he said, further raises red flags about accountability.
Amb. Ibe has therefore, called on the Rivers State Government to urgently investigate the entire distribution process to ensure that the relief items reach the genuine victims in accordance with the guidelines issued by the State Flood Management Committee.
He emphasized that the Orashi National Congress remains committed to advocating for transparency, equity, and the welfare of communities across the Orashi region.