From Ebere Uzoukwa, Owerri Imo State
–
The Vice President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, Architect Namadi Sambo and Gov. OWELLE Rochas Okorocha have reassured victims of the
recent flood disaster in Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta Local Government Areas
in Imo state of government continuous support towards ameliorating
their plight.
Addressing a gathering of the victims in Egbema after accessing the
level of devastation in some of the affected communities, Architect
Sambo who was accompanied by the senate leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba,
Sen. Hope Uzodinma of Imo West Senatorial District, Minister of
Enviroment, Hajia Hadiza Melafia, Minister of Water Resources, Mrs
Serah Ochekpe and Director-General of National Emergency Management
Agency (NEMA) Mohamed Sani-Sidi, disclosed that the federal government
is packaging a special post-flood era programme to ensure a total
rehabilitation of victims of the unfortunate disaster.
He said “You are aware that this is a natural disaster which we all
know is a new phenomenon to the whole world. We have never witnessed
this before and we pray that we will not continue to witness this
unfortunate development. I want to assure you that all the victims
will be taken care as federal government is packaging a special
programme for the post-flood era” Sambo said.
He explained that President Goodluck Jonathan has set up a committee
in addition to the instant measures drawn up by the federal government
to cushion the effect of the devastation caused by the flood.
“Let me inform you that Mr. President has set up a committee
co-chaired by Alhaji Dangote and Olisa Agbakoba SAN that will organize
the whole Nigerians and the world to address this unfortunate
development. I have gone round to see houses and schools that were
affected by this flood and that is why we have a special programme for
the post flood era” he said.
Also speaking, Gov. Owelle Rochas Okorocha said the state government
has mobilized resources to assist the victims in anticipation of
federal government intervention.
“The state government has done the little it could to give support to
our people. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Imo
State Oil Producing Commission (ISOPADEC) have equally responded with
some relief materials and food items. But our greatest challenge is
that the entire land and agricultural products have been washed away
by the flood and most of these people sitting in this arena have no
home any more with no farmland for food production. Also, homes and
schools have submerged and most of these affected persons cannot be
able to raise a bungalow” Gov. Okorocha lamented.
He commended the federal government for releasing the 400million naira
for victims in Imo state and assured that fund will be judiciously
used for the purpose it is meant for.
“Let me assure that this money will be judiciously used as this
government has continued to care for the people. The money will be
shared between Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta LGAs and for only those that are
actually affected by the flood. Again, no big man will partake from
this money” he said.
He commented President Goodluck Jonathan for showing love to Imo
people and Nigerians especially in the period of difficulties and
challenges adding that the people of the state will continue to give
his administration the necessary support it deserves.
