Representative Alphonsus Odudoh, a federal lawmaker from Akwa Ibom State representing the Ikot Abasi/Mkpat Enin/Eastern Obolo Federal Constituency, has raised an urgent alarm over severe flooding in his constituency. Speaking during a motion of urgent national importance at the House of Representatives plenary on Wednesday in Abuja, Odudoh detailed extensive material and human damages caused by floods since the onset of the rainy season. He called on the federal government to intervene immediately to address the crisis.
Lawmaker Highlights Widespread Damage and Displacement
Odudoh lamented the level of environmental degradation resulting from the natural disaster, urging relevant government agencies to respond without delay. He stated that the entire Ikot Abasi/Mkpat Enin/Eastern Obolo Federal Constituency is completely flooded, leading to the displacement of many residents. The motion sought to compel federal action to mitigate the impact and provide relief to affected communities.
Support from Colleagues and Call for NEMA Intervention
Supporting the motion, Representative Unyime Idem of Oruk Anam/Ukanafun Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom, urged the House to back the motion as a life-saving measure. He specifically called for immediate intervention by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to reduce the disaster's impact and deliver relief to victims. Similarly, Representative Mark Esset of Uyo/Uruan/Nsit Atai/Ibesikpo Asutan Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom, noted that his own constituency was also affected by the floods, requiring urgent national attention. Esset emphasized that the motion aligns with the government's primary duty to protect lives and property.
Legislative Action and Broader Context
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the plenary, referred the motion to the House Committee on NEMA and other relevant committees for further legislative action. This development follows recent reports by Premium Times of flooding caused by heavy rainfall in Akwa Ibom, particularly in the capital city Uyo, where homes and businesses were destroyed. Similar destruction and loss of life were reported in Cross River State days earlier, where a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall killed five people.
