Posted by Senator Douye Diri, the governor of Bayelsa State, has been upset about how the flood has destroyed property and made life hard for the people of the state.
Thursday, Governor Diri took a look at how bad the flooding was in some communities and said it was very bad.
The governor told the people in Izon dialect that he wanted to see for himself what the people and communities were going through. He told them not to give up, but he also said that it was a hard time for everyone.
Diri gave cash to the people in the affected areas and promised them that aid would be sent right away through the task force on flooding.
He also asked Bayelsans to look out for each other and take in people who had lost their homes or communities.
He said, “I didn’t think it was right for me to be in my office while my brothers and sisters were hurting, hungry, or in need. So I came to see what was going on.
“Roads have been washed away, houses have been flooded, and people have been forced to move within their own country.
“We have found some high places where some of them can stay for a while. We have also given them painkillers and other medicines.
“I came out to comfort the people and let them know that their government is there for them when they are in trouble.
“Water doesn’t care about anyone, because my house is also flooded in my neighborhood. So, everyone, especially women, should be strong and careful during this time. Don’t let your kids go into the water. It’s a hard time, but I know that God will help us get through it.
“I have given the people N450 million to help them out. This is the first part. Having seen for myself what is going on, we will give our people more money so they can eat while they go through this.”
The governor asked the federal government to help the state because the state government didn’t have enough money to handle the situation. He also asked again for a dam to be built around the River Niger.
The head of the state also said he might invite the governors of other states in low areas of the country to come up with a long-term solution to the flooding that affects people who live near rivers.
Salo Adikumo, who represents Sagbama Constituency 3 in the House of Assembly, the Amananaowei of Sagbama community, and Mr. Oyinke Ekiye, who is the Community Development Committee chairman of Adagbabiri community, all wrote separate letters to the governor thanking him for being so kind to them.
They asked God to give him the strength, energy, and mind he would need to take care of the people’s needs during this hard time for the country.
The governor went to Tungbo, Sagbama town, and Adagbabiri, all in the Sagbama Local Government Area. He was with the state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Solomon Agwana, the Commissioner for Environment and chairman of the Task Force on Flood Mitigation and Management, Mr. Eselema Gbaranbiri, his Works and Information counterparts, Moses Teibowei and Ayibaina Duba,
He also went to the Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area communities of Odi and Kaiama.