From Abel Leonard, Lafia
A Senatorial candidate of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) for Kogi West, Abdulgafar Dirisu, is demanding the federal government to do more towards cushioning the effect of flood disaster in the state.
Mr. Abdulgafar in an interview with our correspondent e rout Nasarawa- Abuja for a meeting on Tuesday said he had donated relief materials to the flood victims to cushion the effect of the destruction in his constituency.
He confirmed that over 10 people had lost their lives as a result of the disaster in his constituency adding that over a million others have been displaced in Kogi West.
“Kogi West is the most hit by flood this season across the two local government areas especially New market, Old market, Galili, Adankolo new layout, Sarki Noma, Ganaja, Kabawa, 500 units, Gadumo. among others
He explained that greater part of Lokoja, the state capital and half of Kotonkarfe, local government area were completely submerged stating that the materials donated were part of his contribution to cushion the effect of disaster on the victims
*In the two affected local government areas, I have made my modest contribution to reduce the hardship occasion by the flood. I want to call on the federal government for more interventions in the areas of relief materials and medicaments to ameliorate the suffering by the victims*
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While attributing the unfortunate incident to lack of commitment and political will on the part of the government to tackle life threatening issues, Idrisu noted that dredging of the Niger and other rivers, building of dams along flood plains, opening more water channels and reservoirs, resettlement of residence in disaster/flood prone areas and other natural disasters will help prevent this disaster in the future.
“For over three weeks running, thousands of travellers and residents of Lokoja, Kogi State capital have experienced severe hardship due to heavy flooding. My concern is for the federal government to take proactive measures to stem the crisis situation*.
He called on the people to vote out candidates who don’t have the interest of the people at heart, noting that the 2023 elections will be a referendum against evil leaders, vowing however to make a difference if elected as senator to represent Kogi West.
He commiserated with the victims of the disaster, as well as consoling with those who lost their loved ones in the disaster.
Daily Sun Reports that Items donated by the candidate include noodles, spaghetti, millets, maize, milk, blankets, drinking water and other essentials.