Ijaw groups urge Diri to quicken steps to prevent recurrence of flood disaster

Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa

A coalition of Ijaw groups has urged Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa to act proactively to forestall a recurrence of natural flood disasters in the state.

The coalition is made up of the Ijaw Elders Forum, (IEF), Ijaw Professionals Association (IPA), Ijaw National Forum (INA), Embasara Foundation and Ijaw Women Connect (IWC), gave the advice in a statement issued on Thursday in Yenagoa.

The statement was signed by Efiye Bribena; the Ijaw Elders Forum (IEF), Lagos, Pattison Boleigha, the Ijaw Professionals Association (IPA), and other representatives.

The groups, however, noted that following the onset of the disastrous flood that ravaged Ijaw land between September and November, the coalition under the auspices of Ijaw Interest Groups wrote to Gov Douye Diri on Oct. 21 2022 with recommendations on some steps to take to address the flood disaster.

According to the group the letter included reports developed and presented previously to the government in the aftermath of the 2018 flood disaster.

“Regrettably, we are yet to receive a response on this subject. People have died, properties have been lost and the impacted populations are still traumatised.

“Yet the government continues to demonstrate insensitivity to the plight of the people they are elected to govern.

“We, therefore, find it difficult to comprehend whose interest the State Government represents if it cannot find time to attend to recommendations advanced to solve such an existential challenge.

“Like all well-meaning Ijaw, however, we are determined to insist that the Bayelsa government and other relevant authorities live up to their responsibilities and provide lasting solutions to the flood menace,” the letter read in part.