ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Immediate past Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, has commiserated with Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the people of the state over the boat mishap, which occurred in Ogbaru Local Government Area of the state.
Obiano relayed his message in a statement made available to newsmen by his publicity Secretary, Mr. Tony Nezianya, on Monday.
Recall that the boat was ferrying flood victims from the Umunankwo Community of Ogbaru LGA to the upland area when it capsized leaving unconfirmed persons dead.
Obiano said the incident was a sad addition to the already destructive flooding which had displaced people from their homelands, washing away houses and farmlands.
He expressed deep sympathy with the Government and families of the victims of the accident, and called on governments at all levels to take steps to tackle the emergency head-on.
Obiano said: “I share the grief of the victims of the emergency, who should endeavor to follow the government’s wise counsel to evacuate to safety until the floodwaters recede.
’The flooding has also wreaked havoc in Anambra East and West, Ayamelum as well as Ogbaru areas of the state.
“I have been informed that many have died as a result of displacements by the raging floodwaters, as well as farmlands that have been washed away.
“I call on the Federal Government to offer leadership at this point to mitigate the disaster by ensuring the speedy release of ecological funds in supporting the state in tackling the emergency,” he said.
Obiano who is an indigene of Aguleri in Anambra East Local Government Area, one of the badly affected areas, warned that the issue of climate change should be taken seriously as it was contributing to the yearly disaster.
He suggested that diligent intervention by relevant stakeholders would reduce the burden posed by the disaster, adding that deliberate efforts must begin toward finding a permanent solution to flooding.
The ex-Governor advised that the release of water from Cameroonian dams should be better managed.
“May we remember in our prayers all those that have so far died as a result of the flooding ravaging our state over the past weeks,” he pleaded.