The Ebonyi State Government has cautioned opposition politicians and other political actors against politicising the recent flooding in Akaeze, Ivo Local Government Area, or using the plight of affected residents for partisan purposes.
The State Commissioner for Information, Ikeuwa Omebe, issued the warning on Sunday in response to comments by opposition politicians concerning the flood disaster.
Omebe said political parties and individuals had the constitutional right to seek public support ahead of the 2027 general elections, but urged them to ensure that discussions surrounding the disaster remained responsible and focused on the welfare of affected residents.
According to him, the state government had directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to coordinate emergency-response measures aimed at addressing the impact of the flooding.
He acknowledged that the disaster had resulted in the displacement of households and the destruction of farmlands, crops, properties and other sources of livelihood in affected communities.
The commissioner said the government had intensified relief and rehabilitation efforts while engaging the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other federal emergency-management institutions for additional support.
He expressed the government’s concern over the situation and urged residents affected by the flooding to remain calm and cooperate with emergency officials carrying out assessments and coordinating relief operations.
Omebe also advised residents against returning prematurely to flood-prone areas or occupying structurally compromised buildings until they had been declared safe by relevant authorities.
He urged residents to take flood and weather alerts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and other competent agencies seriously, particularly those living in flood-prone communities.
The commissioner further advised residents to avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges and waterways and to promptly report emerging flood threats to emergency-response agencies.
He said the safety, dignity and welfare of residents should remain the priority of all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation.
By Enitan Mudashiru | MUK TV News
