The Jigawa State People’s Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate, Alhaji Mustapha Sule Lamido, has offered a comprehensive document detailing flood prevention and control measures, utilising modern technology, to the state government free of charge.
This offer aims to provide lasting solutions to the recurring flood disasters that plague the state annually.
Lamido made this announcement during a press briefing following his condolence visit to the district heads and families of those who lost their lives in recent flood disasters in Miga, Jahun, Kiyawa, and Buji local government areas.
He also expressed his sympathy to the traditional leaders and victims who suffered the loss of domestic animals, materials, and hundreds of thousands of hectares of farmland due to the floods.
In his words, “It is very sad and disheartening to witness the loss of over 30 lives across the state. About 10,000 houses and hundreds of thousands of hectares of farmland have been destroyed. This is really touching.”
He expressed surprise and disappointment over the devastating impact of the floods, despite warnings and predictions from the National Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which had clearly mentioned Jigawa as one of the states at risk.
He criticised the state government’s inaction, stating, “I’m surprised by the devastating experience in this state despite the information at the government’s hands on the disaster’s prediction by NiMet. All the focus areas were clearly mentioned, but no serious measures were taken, and now we see the results.”
Lamido attributed the disaster to what he described as intentional neglect by the state government, despite the availability of modern scientific ideas and technologies that could have prevented the floods.
He emphasised that the document he is offering was developed by experts and contains modern techniques and processes to prevent and control floods, as well as address other environmental issues such as desertification, erosion, and the spread of Typha grass.
“As an indigene with the state and its people at heart, we are ever ready at all times to sacrifice our wealth, energy, and time for the well-being of the people and the state,” Lamido said.
“We have no better state than Jigawa. We must contribute to its social and economic development, whatever position we find ourselves in at any time.”
“As you can see, we visited all the established Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps by the government. You are living witnesses to how victims were neglected by the government.
“No food, no sufficient water to use. See how they [victims] are exposed to the danger of so many diseases. No adequate mosquito nets, and no latrines.
“Have you seen any medical personnel or facilities in any of the IDP camps we visited? Is that how a government is supposed to handle people who find themselves in calamity? No, it is not,” Lamido lamented.
He went on to mention that, aside from the donations he initially brought, he felt compelled to provide additional assistance due to the dire conditions he encountered.
“Apart from the donation we presented, I have added some assistance to the camps because of the situation I found them in.
“You heard for yourself how the victims were complaining. I, Mustapha Sule Lamido, could not sleep if I didn’t give more assistance to them.”
Lamido also urged Governor Malam Umar Namadi to personally visit the affected areas and IDP camps to witness the conditions firsthand.
“I’m advising His Excellency, the Governor, to go and see for himself the places and conditions of the victims, especially those in the IDP camps. He should not rely solely on the reports he is receiving in the office.”
In their responses, the district heads expressed their gratitude to Lamido for his visit and the assistance he provided to the affected communities.
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