By Francis Sadhere, Delta
Renowned environmental rights activist and development advocate, Chief (Comrade) Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has called on governors of the Niger Delta states to urgently implement proactive measures to reduce the impact of the anticipated flooding in the region, warning that delayed action could lead to avoidable loss of lives and destruction of property.
Mulade made the appeal in a statement on Monday, expressing concern over what he described as the recurring failure of political leaders to place the welfare and safety of citizens above personal and political interests.
The National Coordinator of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) noted that annual flooding has continued to inflict severe hardship on communities across the Niger Delta, with many victims of the devastating 2012 flood disaster and subsequent incidents yet to recover from their losses.
According to him, the inability of governments at different levels to implement sustainable flood control and disaster management strategies has left many vulnerable communities exposed to repeated environmental disasters.
Mulade, who also holds the traditional title of Ibe-Sorimowei of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, warned that the region could once again experience widespread destruction of homes, farmlands, public infrastructure and livelihoods if decisive action is not taken before the peak of the rainy season.
He urged governors in the region to work closely with relevant federal agencies, emergency management organisations, local government councils and community leaders to develop and implement effective flood mitigation plans.
The environmental advocate recommended immediate evacuation plans for flood-prone communities, desilting of rivers, canals and drainage systems, strengthening emergency response capacity, stockpiling relief materials, providing medical support for affected residents and intensifying public sensitisation campaigns.
He particularly called on states such as Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers, which are historically among the worst affected by seasonal flooding, to lead efforts in implementing preventive measures aimed at protecting lives and property.
Mulade stressed that effective planning, strong intergovernmental collaboration and a genuine commitment to the welfare of citizens remain the best strategies for preventing another major flood disaster in the Niger Delta.
He recalled that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had earlier issued a flash flood risk alert, warning that heavy rainfall expected during the peak of the rainy season could trigger flooding across several states of the federation, emphasizing the need for governments to act without delay.
