‘;;Bayelsa Flood Devastating, Deplorable – Senator Lokpobiri

…Commiserates with victims, urges FG, others to assist.

Former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri has lamented the havoc and destruction caused by the rampaging flood in many parts of Bayelsa State, stressing that the situation is very deplorable.

Lokpobiri, who stated this while commiserating with victims of the Bayelsa State who were affected by the devastating flood, called for joint efforts in support of the victims, stressing that the state government cannot handle the situation alone.

He therefore appealed to the Federal Government, international oil companies (IOCs), operating in the state, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) as well as other spirited individuals to come to the aid of the victims.

This was also as Lokpobiri commended the timely efforts of the State governor, Senator Douye Diri for providing the needed support to the people.

A statement by Mr. George Oji, media Adviser to Lokpobiri, quoted the former minister as tasking the Federal Government to take the lead role rather than leaving the state government to contend with the flood disaster alone.

Lokpobiri described the flood situation in Bayelsa as very deplorable, and urged the Federal Government to provide succour to the affected communities through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the NDDC as well as other intervention agencies.

According to Lokpobiri; “For most of us outside the state, we were shocked and saddened by the reports of the degree of damage to even hospitals and farmlands.

“We also appeal to all the stakeholders and other spirited individuals to show support in spite of their various political inclinations.

“I commiserate with my people and the state Government. I also commend Governor Douye Diri for standing with the people during this critical moment”.

Lokpobiri counseled that politics should be put aside at the moment, saying that assistance to the people of Bayelsa state at this critical moment should be offered beyond party politics but with show of humane support and solidarity.

The former minister, who also lamented that his home and that of his people in Ekeremor Local Government Area of the state were also submerged, regretted that the past few weeks have been a harrowing experience for the Bayelsa Government and the people of the state.

Lokpobiri also noted the agony and pain the people of the state are experiencing as a result of the massive destruction of property, infrastructure that include roads and bridges within and outside the state in addition to the East-West road.

He said that all these are in addition to a number of unspecified deaths, which were brought about by the strong currents of the flood.