By Precious Momoh
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has commended President Bola Tinubu’s quick intervention in response to the devastating floods that have wreaked havoc in Maiduguri and other regions. These floods resulted from the overflow of the Alau Dam due to heavy rainfall, submerging vast areas, including half of Maiduguri, and displacing countless residents.
During a condolence visit to Borno State’s Government House, Akpabio praised the President’s decision to fly directly to Maiduguri to assess the situation, despite his planned attendance at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The Senate President expressed the National Assembly’s commitment to supporting ongoing relief efforts.
Akpabio stated, “I regard this as a display of love, compassion and commitment to the safety and welfare of Nigerians,” He assured the people that the National Assembly would collaborate with the Executive to ensure the implementation of effective measures to mitigate the consequences of natural disasters across the country.
Akpabio on Collaborative Relief Efforts and Future Interventions
Akpabio also emphasized the National Assembly’s dedication to establishing a Special Disaster Intervention Fund. This initiative will be designed to address future unforeseen disasters and provide immediate financial relief through allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
Akpabio reassured Nigerians of the Assembly’s preparedness to work alongside relevant agencies such as the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) in tackling future challenges.
“On resumption, the National Assembly will mobilise to support the intervention purse and complement the efforts of the federal government, state governments, NNPCL, NEMA, and other interventionist agencies.,” Akpabio added.
NDLEA Chief’s Contribution to Flood Relief Efforts
Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), also played a pivotal role in supporting flood-affected regions. Understanding the potential long-term effects of the flooding, Marwa facilitated the donation of high-yield fertilizers worth N120 million to assist farmers in Borno. The fertilizers, totaling ten trailer loads, will help prevent potential famine by allowing farmers to quickly return to their fields .
Marwa, who once served as Military Governor of the old Borno State, expressed his deep concern for the people of Maiduguri. He commended the efforts of the federal government, state authorities, and other stakeholders in addressing the immediate needs of displaced citizens while planning for longer-term recovery. His gesture of securing fertilizer donations underscores the collective effort needed to rebuild the devastated agricultural sector, ensuring food security for the months ahead.
