*ALGON Chair Ikpokpo: Governor Okowa Has Approved Funds For Food Items…
The All Progressives Congress (APC), in Delta state has accused Delta state governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa of allegedly showing indifference to the growing plight of flooded communities in the State.
The APC in a press statement accused the Delta state government of neglecting suffering and pain-struck Deltans who have been badly hit by this year’s flooding.
The APC in its statement entitled, “Flood Victims: Your Indifference Is Deafening – Delta APC To Gov. Okowa”, and signed by the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Sylvester Imonina, said the PDP led state government has abandoned one of its primary duties which entails ensuring that every responsible and responsive Government is prompt , effective and caring in its response to the plight of its citizens, especially in their time of crisis.
The statement added: “Unfortunately, this has not been the case with the Delta State Government under the leadership of Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa who has woefully failed in responding to the plight of thousands of Deltans whose lives and property is been ravaged by flood for several weeks now.
“It is a fact that horrific flood has displaced many Deltans who live in the riverine areas of Delta South, Central and North senatorial Districts and because of the negative effects of the flood, lives, homes, farmlands and businesses have been lost in most of these communities! In fact, the pains/trauma that those affected are going through cannot be quantified!
“Delta APC and indeed Deltans are surprised at the “I don’t care” attitude of Govr. Ifeanyi Okowa towards the horrible conditions that these Deltans find themselves. Till date, no internally displaced persons’ Camp has been set up to house them for the meantime nor palliatives sent to them to cushion the starvation that stares at them on the face every passing day!”
But in a seeming swift response, some local government councils in Delta state said they are already responding to the plight of the flood-ravaged communities across the state.
The Delta state Chairman, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Hon. Itiako Ikpokpo in a statement disclosed that Governor Okowa has approved the release of funds to support flood victims.
Ikpokpo said: “In order to cushion the effect of flooding in communities in the state, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has released funds to the affected local government areas to purchase food items for the affected communities.”
According to the ALGON helmsman, the determined LOGA councils that are in need of attention during this period include Oshimili South, Aniocha South, Ndokwa East, Isoko North, Isoko South, Patani, Bomadi, Burutu, Ughelli North, Ughelli South, Warri South-West and Warri North.
Ikpokpo added: “On behalf of my colleagues in ALGON, we thank our dear Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa for the gracious release of funds to procure food items for flood victims in Delta State.
“I therefore appeal to our people to remain calm and patient as the various councils carry out the task of procuring and distributing the food items to the affected communities.”
Ikpokpo who appealed for patience and understanding said the listed local government council officials have already swung into action, and are taking every step to ensure the flooding situation is not only managed but also the sufferings of the people are addressed.
But Delta State publicity Scribe of APC in his statement however reiterated that the Delta state government should not wait until people cry out before responding as it has allegedly has enough financial receipts from the FAAC Accounts.
He said: “As at today, Delta State Government receives the highest monthly allocation from the Federation account besides others funds like 13% derivation, ecological fund, and huge internally generated revenue…
“The sad reality is that during elections, the same government goes to these communities to canvass for their votes with all manner of superficial promises that never get to see the light of the day.
“It is therefore time for Deltans to become wiser and know those that they should cast their votes for if they want a better and more responsive governance.”
