Nigeria: President Jonathan Visits Bayelsa, Anambra Flood Victims

Yenagoa — …As Asaba raises committee to cater for victims

President Goodluck Jonathan Friday visited Anambra and Bayelsa States in continuation of his demonstration of sympathy to states ravaged by flood in the country.

President Goodluck Jonathan during his visits disclosed that the Federal Government has initiated measures for proper resettlement of flood victims. While in Anambra, the President visited one of the camps housing displaced persons at Father Joseph Memorial High School, Aguleri, Anambra East, where he commiserated with the flood victims and assured them of Government’s continued support. “Federal Government will work with the State Government and other organizations to resettle the victims”, he said.

The President said the Federal Government Committee on flood disaster was set up to, among other things, explore ways to assist the flood victims to resettle and pick up their lives after the crisis.

He explained that some International Organizations were co-opted into the committee to attract external assistance to cushion the pains.

He lamented the colossal loss suffered by the State, recalled the 1969 flood that preceded the completion of the Kangi Dam in 1970, assured that major embankment will be constructed on the Benue while the completion of Kasambila Dam in 2014 will help prevent future reoccurrence.

President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan with Gov. Obi of Anambra state acknowledging cheers from the people during his visit to the state…

Governor Peter Obi, who cancelled his trip to Japan for the World Bank/IMF meeting to receive the President, thanked him for identifying with the State and noted that the visit has brought a lot of relief to the victims.

He reported that the State has been totally devastated with many people displaced, noting that over twenty resettlement camps are today accommodating the victims in various parts of the State, with the Aguleri camp alone accommodating over 6721 victims.

The Anglican Bishop of Mbamili Diocese, Right Reverend Henry Okeke said most of the Local Government Area were totally submerged and recalled Governor Obi’s relentless efforts in evacuating the victims and providing enough relief materials in the various camps. He solicited intervention of the Federal Government and international organizations in the rebuilding process as most of the victims are homeless.

Earlier, the Anglican Bishop of Ogbaru, Right Reverend Dr. Samuel Ezeofor said most communities in Ogbaru had been totally cut off and called for concerted efforts to compliment what Governor Obi has done so far and help victims to rebuild from the ruins.

From Anambra, the President, proceeded to Bayelsa and was received by Governor Seriake Dickson, his wife Rachael and Deputy Governor Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd) and other top government functionaries.

Accompanied by a member of the House of Representatives, Mrs. Uche Ekwunife and the Minister of Environment, Mrs. Hadiza Mailafia, the President was expected to tour the flood ravaged communities in the state.

He is also expected to visit his country home, Otuoke which was not spared by the flood, undertake an assessment tour of other areas affected within the state as well as visit some of the relief camps to personally see things for himself. The President will be accompanied by the host Governor, Seriake Dickson.

Meanwhile, Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan said he is going to set up a committee comprising of eminent and credible Deltans to manage the 500 million naira flood disaster fund granted by the Federal government.

The governor while addressing political appointees and House of Assembly members in Asaba, said the committee when functional would decide how to utilize the fund to resettle flood victims in the state.

Said he, “I will not meddle in the committees’ work. I will not disburse this money and definitely will not be part of what they shall do. Whatever decision they take on how to disburse the fund shall be well with me. Let members of the committee decide what to do with the money”.

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