Rivers Flood Crisis: Assembly Fires Back At Fubara — That Is Why We Have Funds

The Rivers State House of Assembly has called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara to take urgent measures to address the worsening flooding affecting several communities across the state.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the call followed persistent rainfall that left parts of Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas submerged, displacing residents and making some roads inaccessible. Lawmakers said the situation required immediate government intervention to protect lives and property.

The issue was raised during Monday’s plenary by the Deputy Majority Leader of the Assembly, Linda Somiari-Stewart, who drew the attention of lawmakers to the impact of the flooding on residents, including reported damage to homes, businesses and sources of livelihood.

Following the motion, the Speaker of the Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, alongside other lawmakers, visited some of the affected communities to assess the situation firsthand. The lawmakers inspected flooded areas in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor and interacted with residents affected by the disaster.

Speaking after the inspection, Amaewhule said the extent of the flooding demonstrated the need for more decisive action from the state government. He noted that some areas were affected by blocked canals and neglected drainage channels, while other locations experienced flooding due to natural water flow.

The Speaker acknowledged that some measures may have already been taken to address the problem but maintained that more needed to be done to alleviate the suffering of residents.

“We are calling on the Rivers State Governor to take immediate steps to ameliorate the situation. That is why we have a government. That is why we have funds. A lot more needs to be done to help our people,” Amaewhule said.

The Assembly also urged relevant government agencies responsible for drainage and desilting to act promptly, particularly in areas where blocked waterways may be contributing to the flooding.

The lawmakers’ intervention comes amid growing concerns over the impact of the flooding on communities in the state, with the Assembly indicating that it would continue to engage relevant authorities on measures to address the immediate crisis and reduce the risk of recurring flooding.