In a significant meeting held at Ahoada, Rivers State, the Orashi National Congress (ONC) reached a series of resolutions addressing key issues affecting the Orashi region, with a special focus on security, flood awareness and the burden of electricity bills on local residents.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the meeting, which took place in Ahoada, brought together leaders from various communities across the region to discuss pressing concerns that have been affecting the local population.
At the top of the agenda was the growing need for enhanced security measures and the importance of community-based action on environmental issues.
One of the major resolutions passed by the Congress was the endorsement of the Ekpeye Security and Peace Advisory Council (ESPAC). Security has become a critical challenge in the region, particularly in the Ekpeye Kingdom, where incidents of violence, kidnappings, and other criminal activities have escalated in recent times.
In backing ESPAC, the Orashi National Congress emphasized the need for local solutions and partnerships with security agencies to restore peace and protect the lives and property of the people. The Congress followed the resolution up with a visit to ESPAC led by Snr. Comrade Amb Emeni Ibe. The ONC expressed confidence that ESPAC would play a crucial role in improving the security situation and urged the relevant authorities to collaborate closely with the council.
Following the visit by the ONC, the ESPAC Commander, also known as Commander Nasarawa, called on the people for strong collaboration and support to aid them in carrying out their duties. He also lamented the lack of vehicles, canoes and speedboats, which are needed for effective service delivery.
Another of ONC’s resolutions centered on the urgent need for flood preparedness in the Orashi region, which is prone to severe flooding during the rainy season. The Congress called on Local Government authorities to reactivate the flood awareness campaign, stressing the importance of early warnings and preventative measures to mitigate the effects of potential flooding.
It will be recalled that flooding in the region has often resulted in devastating consequences for communities, including displacement, property damage, and loss of livelihoods. The Congress therefore, urged the Local Government to engage the public, raise awareness about flood risks, and ensure that affected areas are equipped with necessary resources and information to handle the situation.
The Orashi National Congress also demanded for Local Government Area authorities to pay electricity bills. In a bold move, the Congress also demanded that the incoming Local Government chairmen, upon election, take up the responsibility of paying the electricity bills for the local population.
According to the Congress, while the responsibility for providing basic services such as water and electricity rests with the government, many communities have been forced to secure water through their own efforts.
The Congress also noted that given the current economic challenges, paying for electricity has become an additional burden on already strained households. It argued that the government should step in to ease this burden by covering the electricity bills for the people, as part of its duty to provide essential public services.
The ONC stressed that the expectation is for the newly elected Local Government chairmen to prioritize this issue and begin subsidizing electricity costs immediately after assuming office.
The resolutions passed by the ONC at the Ahoada meeting reflect the growing concerns of the Orashi people over critical issues that have direct impacts on their daily lives. From security and environmental preparedness to the cost of basic utilities, the Congress made it clear that the Local Government authority must be proactive in addressing these challenges.
Leaders at the meeting expressed hope that the resolutions will stir up swift action from the Local Government and security agencies to ensure the safety, welfare, and economic well-being of the Orashi people.