Yenagoa — Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has called on the federal government to address the persistent flooding crisis in Nigeria through the construction of dams and the dredging of rivers. He told PulseNets that these steps are essential to effectively combat the recurrent disasters caused by floods.
Speaking on Friday during a meeting in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, with first-class traditional rulers, Governor Diri highlighted that the country’s main river channels have become shallow, diminishing their water-carrying capacity. He urged the federal government to go beyond merely issuing warnings about impending floods and take concrete steps to mitigate their effects, including dredging rivers and constructing dams.
The governor’s remarks followed an appeal from Bubaraye Dakolo, the chairperson of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council and Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom. Dakolo’s concern resonated with the ongoing devastation from flooding across the nation.
According to PulseNets, a devastating flood on Tuesday claimed 37 lives and displaced over 414,000 people in Maiduguri, Borno State. In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, two people lost their lives as flooding ravaged homes and infrastructure in a local community.
Funmilayo Patrick, Chairperson of the Agwan Hakimi Landlord Association, spoke to PulseNets about the disaster in her community: “We’ve experienced flooding every year for the past six years, but this is by far the worst. We are used to it, but losing lives has left us shaken. Homes have been submerged, destroyed, and we’re terrified of what the next rainfall might bring.”
Diri Lifts Suspension on Paramount Ruler
During the same meeting, Governor Diri also announced the lifting of the suspension on Azibakayam Wongo, the paramount ruler of Otuokpoti community in Ogbia Local Government Area. He stressed the importance of cooperation between the traditional institution and both state and local governments to maintain peace and order.
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Governor Diri expressed his gratitude for the support of the traditional rulers, telling PulseNets that his administration remains open to their counsel. He urged the leaders to continue upholding the integrity of the traditional institution.
In response, Mr. Dakolo congratulated the governor on his Supreme Court victory, which, he told PulseNets, reflected the will of the people of Bayelsa. He also praised Governor Diri for maintaining a strong working relationship with traditional rulers and affirmed their willingness to continue supporting the government’s developmental efforts in the state.
