Obi, LP blasts government silence over Niger flood tragedy

DDM News

The Labour Party has called for immediate national intervention following the devastating flood disaster that struck Mokwa in Niger State.

On Tuesday, the Acting National Chairman of the Labour Party, Senator Nenadi Usman PhD, joined party leader Mr. Peter Obi in a solidarity visit to affected communities.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the party leaders were moved by compassion, not ceremony, as they walked through the wreckage left by the surging waters.

The floods have killed over two hundred people, with more than a thousand individuals still unaccounted for.

Entire communities have been displaced, and homes, farms, and businesses have been wiped out completely.

Senator Usman described the scenes as a “human tragedy laid bare” and emphasized that this was not merely a regional catastrophe.

“This is not just a local crisis; it is a national emergency,” she declared.

She stressed that politics should take a backseat in times like this, urging all Nigerians to embrace collective empathy.

According to her, Niger State cannot carry the burden alone and needs urgent assistance from across the federation.

Mr. Peter Obi also called for immediate action from the Federal Government and national humanitarian agencies.

He urged every Nigerian with a conscience to rise in support of those affected.

Senator Usman echoed Obi’s sentiments, emphasizing that the needed response should not be mere lip service.

“Relief must flow not just from policy, but from empathy,” she said.

She insisted that genuine support must be demonstrated through tangible efforts and swift deployment of resources.

She reaffirmed the Labour Party’s commitment to ensuring that governance in Nigeria is responsive and human-centered.

According to her, disasters like these highlight the importance of resilient infrastructure and preparedness for environmental challenges.

The floods, believed to be triggered by heavy rainfall and overflowing riverbanks, caught many residents off guard.

Local reports say that some families were swept away as they tried to flee the rising waters.

Survivors now live in makeshift shelters, lacking basic amenities like food, clean water, and medical care.

Labour Party leaders called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to act swiftly to alleviate the suffering.

They also urged state authorities and lawmakers to intensify climate mitigation efforts and invest in disaster resilience.

Senator Usman extended her condolences to the grieving families and encouraged those still searching for loved ones not to lose hope.

“To the families mourning loved ones, our hearts are with you,” she said.

She prayed for the safe return of the missing and urged the nation to come together in this hour of need.

According to her, Nigeria must treat climate-induced disasters with the seriousness they deserve.

She warned that unless systemic measures are taken, the frequency and severity of such disasters will increase.

In addition, she called for legislation that would strengthen early warning systems and disaster response frameworks.

She emphasized that the poorest and most vulnerable Nigerians often suffer the most when disasters strike.

Senator Usman stated that the Labour Party will continue to advocate for policies that prioritize protection for these groups.

Peter Obi, speaking during the visit, reaffirmed the party’s resolve to build a nation where people’s lives and properties are not treated as expendable.

He called for transparency in relief distribution and accountability in emergency response spending.

The party also encouraged civic organizations, religious institutions, and the private sector to rally around the victims.

They noted that collective action would be critical in rebuilding affected communities and preventing future tragedies.

DDM learned that residents of Mokwa expressed gratitude for the visit, noting that it brought national attention to their plight.

Several survivors shared their harrowing experiences, describing how the floodwaters rose within minutes and swept away everything they owned.

Some have called on government and aid groups to prioritize long-term rehabilitation, not just short-term relief.

The Labour Party says it will continue to monitor the situation and advocate for the rights and dignity of the victims.

Senator Nenadi Usman later shared her reflections on the visit via her official X (formerly Twitter) account.

She reiterated her appeal for national compassion and swift governmental action to restore hope to devastated communities.

For the people of Niger State, the flood may have destroyed their homes, but the solidarity shown by the Labour Party has reminded them that they are not alone.

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