Ebonyi Govt Warns Opposition Against Politicising Flood Disaster

The Ebonyi State Government on Sunday cautioned opposition groups against politicising natural disasters or exploiting the plight of victims for partisan purposes.

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Chief Ikeuwa Omebe, issued the warning while reacting to remarks by opposition politicians on the recent flood in Akaeze, in Ivo Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

Government Response to the Disaster

Omebe said the government had taken proactive measures to ease the suffering of victims by directing the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to coordinate appropriate emergency-response efforts to address the disaster's impact on affected communities.

"Political actors have constitutional rights to canvass for public support ahead of the 2027 general elections. But public-based discourse should remain issue-based, responsible and devoid of inflammatory rhetoric capable of aggravating anxiety," he said.

The commissioner urged political parties, candidates, community leaders, and other stakeholders to exercise restraint in discussions about the disaster, placing the safety, dignity, and welfare of citizens above partisan considerations.

Acknowledging Displacement and Losses

Omebe reiterated the government's concern and sympathy for Akaeze flood victims and other communities affected by recent flooding. "The government acknowledges the resultant displacement of households and destruction of farmlands, crops, properties and other means of livelihood. These have caused attendant hardship and disruption across affected communities," he said.

He noted that the government had intensified coordinated emergency-response efforts, including relief and rehabilitation measures, and was engaging federal emergency-management institutions such as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to secure complementary intervention and support for affected communities. He added that the welfare and security of residents remain central to Governor Francis Nwifuru's "People's Charter of Needs" administration.

Safety Advisories for Residents

Omebe urged affected residents to remain calm and cooperate with emergency officials conducting assessments and coordinating relief operations. "Residents are advised against returning prematurely to flood-prone areas or occupying structurally compromised buildings until declared safe by appropriate authorities," he said.

He further urged residents to take weather and flood alerts issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and other competent authorities seriously, advising those in flood-prone communities to monitor official forecasts and early-warning information and comply with evacuation advisories. "They should also avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges and waterways, while promptly reporting emerging threats to relevant emergency-response agencies," he said.

The commissioner commended residents, traditional institutions, local government authorities, security agencies, and first responders for their resilience, adding that the Nwifuru administration remains committed to protecting lives, safeguarding livelihoods, and reducing vulnerability to future flooding.