Shettima vows to partner states to curb floods

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday said the Federal Government is partnering with the 36 states of the federation to address the challenges of flood and other natural disasters.

This, he said, explains why President Bola Tinubu recently approved the sum of N3bn for each state to tackle natural disasters such as flooding as well as other challenges.

He noted that the funds are to give subnationals a sense of belonging.

Shettima stated this on Wednesday when he received Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, who paid him a commiseration visit at the presidential villa, Abuja, over the ravaging flood that submerged major roads, houses, and shops in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, following the collapse of a dam in the state.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communication, Mr Stanley Nkwocha, revealed this in a statement signed Wednesday titled, ‘We will partner states in combating flood disaster – VP Shettima.’

Responding to the Speaker’s commiserations, Shettima described the Borno flood disaster as a national calamity that befell not just the state but the entire country.

“It is a national calamity that has befallen us, and it is a concomitant effect of the incestuous relationship among climate change, ecology and the economy.

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“From Bayelsa to Sokoto, there is hardly any part of this nation that has not been affected by these flooding incidences,” he noted.

The VP, however, avowed that with the zeal and willingness demonstrated by the President, the challenge of flooding and other issues in the states would be addressed soon.

He stated, “The President has shown his zeal, willingness and commitment to partner with the states towards addressing these issues.

“Recently, he approved the release of N3bn to each state of the federation to address some of these challenges so that all parts of the federation should have buy-in and belonging”.

Shettima commended Abbas for what he described as his “stellar leadership in the National Assembly”, saying despite having nearly 70 per cent of the members as newly sworn in, the Speaker has been able to keep the flag flying.

“There is a lot of stability in the House of Representatives, and we have to commend you for providing that leadership. We wish you well and, Insha Allah, you are one of the fulcrums of our democratic journey.

“A harmonious relationship among the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary is essential to sustain democracy in Nigeria.

“Once again, thank you most sincerely on behalf of the President, the government and the people of Borno for your show of empathy and support,” he concluded.

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Earlier, Abbas commiserated with the Vice President, the President, the government and the people of Borno State, assuring them that the National Assembly will provide support for the affected communities.

He said, “We in the National Assembly are looking all through to see what kind of support we will give to the people affected.

“We are very sorry, Your Excellency, for what happened. We share your pains; we share your concerns; we are together in this from the beginning to the end.

“Insha Allah, it will come to pass, and people will go back to their normal lives and businesses as if it did not happen because we and you will make sure that we provide all the palliatives for them to regain their means of livelihood. Thank you, Your Excellency; please, convey our sincere concerns to the Governor and the people of Borno State.”

Abbas’s visit comes a day after Tinubu called for the immediate evacuation of residents in communities overtaken by floods.

Tinubu, who expressed deep concerns over the flooding in parts of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, asked the government agencies concerned to expedite rescue efforts.

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“While relevant authorities are still assessing the damage wrought by the flood, the President calls for the immediate evacuation of people from affected areas”, read a statement signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga.

Borno State in Northeast Nigeria is facing its worst flood in recent decades with thousands of residents fleeing their homes overtaken by water.

Government facilities such as a Post Office office and the Maiduguri Teaching Hospital have been affected, including one cemetery and a zoo as wild animals scampered for safety.

Onanuga said, “President Tinubu extends his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of the State, especially to the families that have lost their means of livelihood due to the disaster triggered by the overflow of the Alau Dam.

“President Tinubu assures Governor Babagana Zulum that the Federal Government is ready to collaborate to address the immediate humanitarian needs of the affected people.

“He orders the National Emergency Management Agency to assist the flood victims.”

The Presidential aide said Tinubu remains committed to mobilising federal resources to support the state during this difficult time.

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