The Rivers State House of Assembly suspended other legislative business to carry out an on-site inspection of flood-ravaged communities in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas, amid growing concern over the worsening flood situation in the state.
The decision came during the 55th Legislative Sitting of the Fourth Session, after Deputy Majority Leader Hon. Linda Somiari-Stewart moved a motion under Order 26 of the House’s Standing Orders.
Stewart urged the Assembly to take urgent action on the flooding, which she said had destroyed residents’ property and sources of livelihood. She also raised concerns about reports of reptiles entering homes submerged by floodwater, describing it as a serious threat to residents, and called on the House to visit affected areas to assess the situation and determine next steps.
Before ruling on the motion, Speaker Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule expressed sympathy for affected residents and directed lawmakers to visit their constituencies to assess the damage and identify possible remedies. Members then voted unanimously to inspect flood-hit areas in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor.
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During the exercise, lawmakers visited several flooded locations, assessed the extent of the damage, and listened to residents share their experiences.
Speaking to journalists afterward, Amaewhule said the inspection followed both the adopted motion and distress calls received from constituents across the state, noting that the Assembly felt it necessary to see conditions firsthand. He said the visit confirmed that flooding requires urgent attention, pointing out that several families had been displaced and some roads had become impassable.
Amaewhule said the Assembly observed that flooding in some areas was linked to blocked canals and neglected drainage channels, while other locations were affected by natural water flow patterns.
He called on agencies responsible for desilting drainage channels to fulfill their duties to help prevent avoidable flooding, and expressed optimism that the Rivers State Government would take the necessary steps to protect lives and property across the state.
