Immediate past Nigeria President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has said, almost everyone in his home state, Bayelsa, is now homeless or internally displaced, following flood that has submerged several communities in the State.
Goodluck Ebele Jonathan stated this on Wednesday while speaking during the 11th Annual State Thanksgiving service in Yenagoa, organized by the Bayelsa State government.
Jonathan said he had already discussed the predicaments of the people of the state with President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osibanjo, hoping help would come in the flood recovery process, according to Peak News Nigeria.
The news report reads:
“He said that with the level of flood disaster that has befallen Bayelsa State in 2022, almost everybody in the state is an Internally Displaced Person (IDP).
“Peak News Nigeria gathered that Jonathan’s private home at Otuoke, Ogbia local government area of the state was also submerged by the ravaging flood.
“The ex-Nigeria leader appreciated former Governor Seriake Dickson for building the Ecumenical Centre and instituting the annual thanksgiving, saying, as a people, Bayelsa can achieve nothing without God.
“He also lauded Governor Diri for continuing the thanksgiving, saying his administration made God a priority and would always receive divine blessings.
“Jonathan called on the Federal Government to assist the state in the recovery process, saying that he was optimistic that given the efforts he had made alongside other leaders, help would come from the centre.
“He said, “I do not want to overemphasize the disaster that has befallen us. Everybody is an IDP (internally displaced person) in Bayelsa State. I have discussed this with the President and Vice President and I believe help will come.
“We empathize with all of you. Coming out today when we are still affected by the flood is significant. Let me commend Senator Dickson for showing commitment to the service of God. He built this edifice and initiated this thanksgiving service. You place God first and God will continue to bless you and bless the state.
“Let me also thank Governor Diri for continuing with the programme. I thank the clergymen for their continuous work, as well as Pastor Paul Eneche for his service to God and nation.”,
Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in an earlier press release some days ago, had said:
I sympathize with the victims of this year’s flood across many states of the federation who have lost loved ones and properties worth millions. The worsening humanitarian crisis in the affected states calls for urgent action and collaboration by all stakeholders.
I am touched by the dire situation in some of the affected states, especially my home State Bayelsa where almost all the local government areas are submerged in water and the East-West Road section leading to the State has become impassable, creating scarcity of food and essential commodities.
Today, I visited Otuoke, my community and a few other communities in Bayelsa State to have an assessment of the impact of the flood. It is still a depressing situation in many of the affected communities because of the magnitude of the flood and the disruption and destruction it has caused.
This is a moment of crisis; we need to work in unity to achieve the goal of giving hope and providing succor to all victims.
I urge all citizens of goodwill and humanitarian agencies to demonstrate solidarity with these victims and provide support to those affected.
