The Ebonyi state government has cautioned the opposition against politicising natural disasters in the state or exploiting the plight of victims for partisan purposes.
The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Chief Ikeuwa Omebe made the admonition while reacting to oppositon statements on the recent devastating flood at Akaeze, Ivo Local Governentl Area (LGA) of the state.
Omebe said the government has taken proactive steps to ameliorate the plight of victims such as directing the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) on coordinating appropriate emergency response measures.
“Political actors have constitutional rights to canvass for public support ahead the 2027 general elections but public–based discourse should remain issue-based, responsible and devoid of inflammatory rhetorics.
“This is to prevent situations capable of aggravating anxiety and vulnerability of disaster–affected communities.
“Political parties, candidates, community leaders and stakeholders should demonstrate restraint and place the safety, dignity and citizens’s welfare above partisan considerations,”
The commissioner reiterated the government’s deep concern and sympathy to the Akaeze flood victims and other communities across the state affected by the recent flooding,.
“The government acknowledges resultant displacement of households and destruction of farmlands, crops, properties and other means of livelihood; with attendant hardship.
“The government also acknowledges the disruption occasioned by the incidents and has intensified coordinated emergency-response measures.such as relief, rehabilitation among others.
“We are also engaging relevant federal emergency-management institutions such as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for complementary intervention and support to affected communities.”
He noted that the welfare and security of the people remain central to the People’s Charter of Needs administration of Gov. Francis Nwifuru’s administration.
“The government urges affected residents to remain calm and cooperate fully with emergency-response officials conducting assessments and coordinating relief operations.
“Residents are advised against returning prematurely to flood-prone areas or occupying structurally compromised buildings until such are declared safe by appropriate authorities.”
Omebe urged residents to take weather and flood alerts issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and other competent authorities.seriously.
“Residents of flood-prone communities are advised to monitor official weather forecasts and early-warning information.while complying with evacuation advisories where necessary.
“They should also, avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges and waterways, while promptly reporting emerging threats to the relevant emergency-response agencies.
“The government appreciates the resilience and community spirit demonstrated by residents, traditional institutions, local government authorities, security agencies, first responders among others to the incident.”
He reiterated that the Nwifuru administration remains committed to protecting lives and safeguarding livelihoods while strengthening measures to reduce vulnerability to future flooding.
