Olusegun Ariyo
The Delta State chapter of the All-Progressives Congress, APC, and the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, have traded blame over the devastating flood in Agbor that occurred a few days ago.
While the APC claimed that the heavy downpour in Agbor was solely the result of government negligence, the Publicity Secretary of the PDP in Delta State, Hon. Sunday Apah, called for the rejection of the inaccurate portrayal of events and the irresponsible blame placed on the government, led by His Excellency, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State.
According to him, the APC made misguided and unfounded assertions, condemning in strong terms the state APC’s misguided critique.
“While the PDP expresses deep sympathy for those whose motorcycles, vehicles, and other valuables have been damaged or destroyed by the flood,
“It is essential to recognize that downpours and flooding are natural occurrences that can affect any region, including developed countries such as Spain, Germany, Oman, Uruguay, Argentina, the United Kingdom, and Dubai, which have faced severe natural disasters at various times.
“To imply that the flooding in Agbor is solely the result of government negligence is not only misleading but also a stark oversimplification of the complexities involved in managing natural disasters.
“The PDP government in Delta State has consistently taken proactive measures to mitigate the impact of flooding and enhance community resilience.
“Previous administrations laid the foundation for flood management by constructing essential storm drainages, and the current administration, led by Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has continued this critical work diligently.
“To disregard these efforts is to undermine the commitment and dedication shown by our leaders in addressing environmental challenges.
“In recent times, significant infrastructure projects have been initiated to further enhance flood control measures. Notable examples include the construction of monumental storm drains at strategic locations such as Ogbeogonogo Market and Asaba Specialist Hospital.
“Ongoing projects in Owa-Alero, Osubu, Okuokoko, Ugolo-Okpe, as well as in the Warri axis, aim to bolster the state’s capacity to manage heavy rainfall effectively.
“It is disheartening to see the APC in Delta State capitalize on a natural disaster to score political points rather than engaging in constructive dialogue about solutions and collaboration.
“Instead of fostering fear and division, our collective focus should be on working together to support affected communities and implement long-term strategies to prevent such occurrences in the future.
“In light of this, the PDP urges all stakeholders, including the APC in Delta State, to reflect on the importance of unity in addressing climate-related challenges.
“Blaming the government for natural disasters not only misleads the public but also detracts from meaningful discourse that can lead to actionable solutions. The people of Delta State deserve better than political gamesmanship, especially in times of crisis.
“As a responsible party, the PDP remains committed to further enhancing our disaster preparedness and response frameworks, ensuring our communities are protected and resilient against the impacts of severe weather.
“We encourage the APC in Delta State and other opposition voices to join us in this important mission, rather than casting unfounded aspersions that only serve to sow discord. Together, we can foster a more robust framework for disaster management that serves all Deltans effectively,” the PDP stated.
