CHIEF MULADE URGES NIGER DELTA GOVERNORS TO ACt FAST AHEAD OF PREDICTED FLOODS

WARRI — 

Renowned  rights activist and development advocate, Chief (Comrade) Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has called on Niger Delta governors to move swiftly to curb the impact of flooding forecast by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

In a statement issued on Monday, Mulade, who is National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, and the Ibe-Sorimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Delta State, said delaying action could trigger another round of devastating losses for communities across the region.

He faulted what he described as the continued neglect of citizens’ welfare by political leaders, alleging that many public office holders place personal ambition and narrow political interests above their constitutional duty to protect lives and property.

"Recurring floods in the Niger Delta continue to deepen hardship for residents. Many families and communities hit by the 2012 floods, and later incidents, have still not fully recovered," Mulade said.

The activist noted that the absence of sustainable flood prevention and disaster management has left vulnerable communities exposed year after year.

With NiMet predicting flash floods from July 1 to 10 across 27 states, and heavier rains expected as the peak of the season sets in, Mulade warned the region could again face widespread destruction of homes, farmlands, roads, and livelihoods without urgent coordination.

He urged governors to work with federal agencies, emergency management bodies, local governments, and community stakeholders to roll out effective mitigation strategies.

Chief Mulade called for Immediate evacuation plans for high-risk, flood-prone communities, Desilting of waterways and drainage channels, Stronger emergency response systems, Provision of relief materials and medical care, and Sustained public awareness campaigns*  

He singled out Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers states, which historically suffer the worst seasonal flooding, urging them to lead the charge on preventive measures.

"Proactive planning, genuine intergovernmental collaboration, and real commitment to citizens’ welfare are the only way to prevent another large-scale disaster in the Niger Delta," he added.

NiMet had earlier issued an alert warning that widespread rainfall within the first 10 days of July could trigger flooding as Nigeria enters the peak of the rainy season.