Renowned environmental rights activist and development advocate, Chief (Comrade) Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has called on governors of the Niger Delta states to immediately implement proactive measures to reduce the impact of the flooding forecast by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), warning that delays could expose communities to widespread destruction.
Mulade, in a statement issued on Monday, said state governments must move beyond reactive responses and adopt coordinated strategies to safeguard lives, property and critical infrastructure as the rainy season intensifies.
The National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) expressed concern over what he described as the recurring neglect of citizens’ welfare by some political leaders, alleging that personal and political interests have continued to overshadow their constitutional responsibility to protect the people.
He noted that annual flooding has remained a major challenge across the Niger Delta, with many victims of the devastating 2012 floods and subsequent disasters still struggling to recover from their losses.
Mulade, who is also the Ibe-Sorimowei of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, attributed the recurring disasters to the failure of governments at various levels to implement sustainable flood control and disaster management policies.
He warned that without urgent and coordinated intervention ahead of the expected peak rainfall period, communities across the region could again experience extensive damage to homes, farmlands, public infrastructure and sources of livelihood.
The environmental advocate urged governors in the region to strengthen collaboration with relevant federal agencies, emergency management institutions, local government councils and community leaders to implement effective flood mitigation measures.
According to him, priority should be given to evacuating residents of high-risk communities, desilting rivers, canals and drainage channels, reinforcing emergency response systems, stockpiling relief materials, providing medical support and intensifying public awareness campaigns.
Mulade specifically identified Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states as areas that have historically suffered severe flooding, urging their governments to take the lead in implementing preventive measures capable of reducing the anticipated impact of this year’s rains.
He stressed that proactive planning, effective intergovernmental cooperation and sustained commitment to the welfare of citizens remain the most practical means of preventing another humanitarian and environmental crisis in the Niger Delta.
The appeal follows NiMet’s flood outlook, which warned of increased flash flood risks in several states during the peak of the rainy season, with widespread rainfall expected to heighten the likelihood of flooding across vulnerable communities.
