The Federal Commissioner of the Public Complaint Commission, PCC, in Rivers State Marshal Isreal has urged the Zonal coordinator of the National Emergency Management Authority, NEMA, to tackle the impending flooding in the State.
Marshal Isreal made this call during a visitation to the NEMA office on Friday.
According to him: “Our core mandate is to investigate and address Administrative injustice and maladministration at all levels of government, including companies that are registered in Nigeria. We also resolve cases and Complaints through mediation, Negotiation and Dialogue which are components of The Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanism and to the best of my knowledge, we are not doing badly”.
“We also have the mandate to Constructively criticise the actions and inaction of the government and make recommendations when and where necessary and call on the relevant agencies of Government to intervene”.
The National Emergency Management Agency(NEMA) has a mandate to respond to certain emergencies in Nigeria. The issue of flood and it’s horrible effects is becoming a reoccurring decimal in some parts of Rivers State. In 2018, it was highly devastating. So many people were rendered homeless by the ravaging flood. Abua/Odua, Ahoada West/East, some parts of ObioApko and PHALGA including some LGAs in Ogoni and Kalabari axis were the worst hit. And in most cases, either you responded very late or there were not enough relief materials for the victims of flood”.
“So we are here to know your level of preparation and readiness because we are approaching the season again. You cannot wait until it happens. When people become homeless, they will need temporary shelters, clothing, food, medical facilities and psychological support. People are already been affected and From all indication, this year might be worst. It’s important you get these relief materials ready and fix your vehicles to be able to respond to emergencies. Also, train your staff on the Emergency Response Procedure or Mechanism”.
“However, it’s not entirely your responsibility to respond to emergencies. Rivers State Government needs to get involved. Multinational Oil companies need to get involved too. I think you should write to them and seek for collaboration and partnership. You cannot do it alone. On our own side, The Public Complaints Commission is ready to work with you. We are ready to donate our staff to help in distributing relief materials. Remember, our services are free of charge”.
However, NEMA Zonal coordinator, Dr Ejike Udeinya, assured that the agency is on top gear to tackle all issues of flooding in the state.
