Federal Govt Should Go Beyond Issuing Flood Alerts, Says Diri

Bayelsa State governor Douye Diri has urged the federal government to take the necessary steps to support states in tackling the menace of flooding instead of just issuing alerts.

Governor Diri who stated this yesterday when he received the leadership of Obogoro community on a courtesy visit to the Government House, Yenagoa, noted that tackling flood, erosion and other environmental challenges was costly and cannot be single-handedly done by states alone.

The governor said almost all communities in the state were affected by constant flooding and erosion, stressing that the government was doing everything within available resources to address the issues.

Diri said as part of efforts to tackle flooding and erosion, his administration has set up a flood and erosion control agency to proffer holistic solutions to the environmental issues.

He stated that the government is already addressing the coastal erosion in Obogoro community in Yenagoa local government area, assuring the people that a lasting solution would be found to the menace.

The state’s helmsman thanked the leadership of Obogoro for toeing the path of dialogue instead of a protest planned by some persons in the community.

His words, “When we heard stories of protest, I asked where my brothers are in that community? If there is one community that has benefited from this state and this administration, it is Obogoro. At the end of the day, the leadership of the community rose to the occasion and I appreciate you for standing up.

“On the issue of erosion, you all know that most communities in the state are threatened, including my own community. For now, Obogoro is receiving attention from the government.

“When the action was too slow, I had to drag in the deputy governor and most of the issues were being resolved. There is no reason for anybody to resort to protest.

“In a state, it is the communities that make up the local government areas. So if they have issues, we have issues too.

“We are not in the business of playing politics with development. I have heard your requests and we will certainly take steps to bring a lasting solution to the problem of erosion in Obogoro.

“Erosion affects almost all communities in Bayelsa. That is why we believe this is not a state government problem alone.

“We need the federal government to play key roles. The federal government issuing warnings or alerts to states is not enough. You know we do not have the resources to tackle this issue. We need the federal and international agencies to support us.

“Let me however appreciate the leadership of Obogoro community for engaging the government and for always listening to us.”

On behalf of Chief Monday Igodo, the community’s paramount ruler, Barr. Francis Igodo expressed appreciation to the state government for the projects sited in Obogoro, which include a new secondary school, internal road, ongoing construction of a cottage hospital as well as appointment of sons and daughters of the community into positions of authority.