Members of the Bayelsa Caucus in the National Assembly have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to declare a state of disaster emergency in the state following the devastation caused by flood.
They said this is pertinent considering that Bayelsa State is not just the worse affected, but one that has been completely severed from the rest of the country as a result of the complete erosion across several sections of the East-West Road.
Addressing reporters on behalf of the Caucus, Hon. Frederick Yeitiemone Agbedi, said they are fully abreast with the multi-faceted and perilous times confronting Bayelsans, as occasioned by the perennial floods that have sacked homes and entire communities.
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Reading from a statement signed by the members, he said, “We are equally not unaware of the numerous challenges this has thrown up and the need for timely intervention by all. Guided by the untold suffering this has spelt on our people, we hereby empathise with all victims across the State, assuring that as representatives of the people, we are in unison, working assiduously in partnership with relevant ministries, departments and agencies to bring succour to the affected populace.
“Against this backdrop therefore, the Bayelsa Caucus expresses solidarity with Governor Douye Diri and the Government of Bayelsa State, collectively expressing deep appreciation for the timely intervention. We are also grateful to the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces,Muhammadu Buhari,GCFR, for expressing concern at the devastation caused by the floods particularly in Bayelsa State, condoling with families that have lost lives, and for directing agencies to offer all assistance to the people.
“Similarly, we call on ministries, departments and agencies such as the National Emergency Management Agency; National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons; and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, And Social Development for their considered immediate intervention with medicines, foodstuffs and other relief materials.
“Consequent upon the above, we urge Bayelsans to be more united and cooperate with all intervention measures taken by the State Government and Federal Ministries and Agencies, while expressing greater trust in God, as we believe that, just like in the days of Noah, even this shall come to pass.”
The statement was signed by Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, Senator Biobarakumo Degi-Eremienyo and Senator Moses Z.Cleopas.
Others were Hon.Frederick Yeitiemone Agbedi, Hon.Preye Influence Goodluck Oseke, Hon. Frederick Azibapu Obua, Hon.Israel Sunny-Goli and Hon.Steve Azaiki