Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on the Federal government led by President Muhammadu Buhari to be proactive in addressing issues of climate change which was responsible for flooding that has affected both the rich and the poor.
Newsonline reports that the former governor of Anambra State lamented that families, as well as means of livelihoods, have been destroyed as a result of the flooding.
The Labour Party presidential candidate added that all hands must be on deck to address the issues of climate change which its effect does not recognize class or social status.
Also, former president of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, whose country home, Otuoke in Bayelsa State was submerged by the flood ravaging about 30 communities in country described the flood disaster as a humanitarian crisis.
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Peter Obi said, “This year’s flooding proves that climate change is real. Rise in temperature, rise in ocean levels, excessive rains, are all indicative of climatic changes. The poor, the well to do and the rich are affected alike.”
Obi added, “President Goodluck Jonathan’s country home was affected, as was the entire Otueke community. While FGN cannot control the rains, it should take proactive measures to ameliorate the ravages of flooding; and even when they occur as is now the case, expeditious humanitarian intervention measures should be deployed to support the affected and displaced.
Goodluck Jonathan who spoke after a visit to his home country to access the extent of the damage done by the flood said, “I sympathize with the victims of this year’s flood across many states of the federation who have lost loved ones and properties worth millions. The worsening humanitarian crisis in the affected states calls for urgent action and collaboration by all stakeholders.”
Jonathan added, “I am touched by the dire situation in some of the affected states, especially my home State Bayelsa where almost all the local government areas are submerged in water and the East-West Road section leading to the State has become impassable, creating scarcity of food and essential commodities.
He added, “It is still a depressing situation in many of the affected communities because of the magnitude of the flood and the disruption and destruction it has caused.
Calling for unity in action, the former president said, “this is a moment of crisis; we need to work in unity to achieve the goal of giving hope and providing succor to all victims.”
“I urge all citizens of goodwill and humanitarian agencies to demonstrate solidarity with these victims and provide support to those affected,” Jonathan appealed.
