The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) on Wednesday solicited the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the need to take immediate and decisive actions to protect most coastal states from flood disasters.
PANDEF National Secretary, Dr Alfred Mulade in a statement made available to Journalists, underscored the urgent t need for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the concerned Federal Government ministries and agencies to take immediate and decisive actions to protect the most coastal states of the country from the impending flooding coming from Rivers Niger and Benue and the spate of sea water rise from the Atlantic Ocean.
“The predicted disaster poses an existential threat to the lives, properties, and livelihoods of millions of Nigerians living in these vulnerable areas Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Rivers, Delta and Edo states.
“We therefore appeal to Mr. President to take proactive measures to mitigate the impact of the double-ended flooding, by reinforcing and upgrading flood defenses and embankments.”
He also stressed the need to “carry evacuation of people living in high-risk areas; Rapid deployment of emergency relief materials and aid; Comprehensive support for affected communities, including rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.
The PANDEF National Secretary further called for “urgent construction of shelters on higher grounds to provide safe temporary housing for displaced persons.
“It is important for PANDEF to stress that every minute counts, and prompt attention is crucial to prevent catastrophic consequences.
“We therefore urge the Federal Government to treat this existential situation with the utmost urgency and seriousness which it deserves to protect the lives of these our population.”
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