•••SAYS NO STATE CAN COPE WITH THE LEVEL OF DEVASTATION WITHOUT SUPPORT
The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has visited the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, over the devastating floods in the State.
Obi who flew into the State in a chopper on Saturday said that he had never seen this level of devastation caused by flood in all the places he had been to.
The rampaging flood has destroyed road infrastructure and cut off all the East West Road linking Yenagoa to other states of the country in several parts.
The link roads to the Bayelsa Airport, the Niger Delta University, the University of Africa, communities and the larger part of the State capital, Yenagoa are under water.
Obi called on the Federal Government to declare emergency in the Bayelsa pathetic flood situation saying no state would be able to handle the flood challenge on its own.
The LP Presidential Candidate who described the destruction as unimaginable, called on the international community to intervene in the critical Bayelsa flood situation.
“I came in through the air and I saw the impact of the flood. I have been to other places, and I have never seen this kind of destruction. The Federal Government needs to declare an emergency in Bayelsa State.
“No State can cope with such a disaster on its own. I also appeal to the international community and donor agencies to support the affected states.
“Here in Bayelsa, we need help. This destruction is unimaginable.”
The LP Presidential Candidate who was received at the Creek Haven, Government House, Yenagoa, visited the internally displaced Peoples camp at the Ox-Bow Lake.
On his part, Governor Diri thanked his guest for the show of solidarity and urged organizations and public spirited individuals to support the state’s efforts at helping victims of the flood.
Obi, had asked the presidential candidates of all political parties to suspend their campaigns for the 2023 Presidential elections to join him to help victims of floods across states of the federation.
Obi made the call on Wednesday while addressing journalists after his visit to Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue state at his Abuja residence where he had gone to discuss modalities on his planned visit to flood sites in Benue and other states.
Obi said he expected other presidential candidates to show concern to the plight of victims of flooding, considering how millions were spent on nomination forms alone.
