The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), led by Chief Edwin Clark, has tasked President Bola Tinubu to direct the relevant federal government ministries and agencies to take immediate steps to protect coastal states from ravaging flood.
According to a statement by its National Secretary of PANDEF, Dr. Alfred Mulade, the body stressed the urgency of the situation, stating that every minute counts and prompt attention is crucial to prevent catastrophic consequences.
PANDEF posited that the predicted disaster poses an existential threat to millions of Nigerians living in vulnerable areas, including Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Rivers, Delta, and Edo states.
PANDEF urged President Tinubu to take proactive measures, such as:
Reinforcing and upgrading flood defences and embankments, Evacuating people living in high-risk areas, Rapidly deploying emergency relief materials and aid, Providing comprehensive support for affected communities, including rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts, Constructing shelters on higher grounds for displaced persons