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The Rivers State House of Assembly has suspended all legislative matters to address the ravaging floods submerging parts of the state.
The decision was taken at the 55th legislative sitting of the Fourth Session after the House adopted a Matter of Urgent Public Importance raised by the Deputy Majority Leader, Linda Somiari-Stewart.
Rising under Order 26 of the Standing Orders, Somiari-Stewart painted a grave picture of the flood situation, saying residents’ property and means of livelihood have been destroyed.
She expressed worry over reports that poisonous reptiles now occupy submerged homes, adding that as a responsible Assembly, members cannot fold their arms while constituents go through life-threatening situations.
She prayed the House to visit impacted areas to see the severity of the disaster.
In his remarks, the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, expressed profound sympathy to residents wallowing in flood-induced agony and urged members to go to their constituencies, assess the situation and provide palliatives in any way they can.
When the Speaker put the question, members unanimously voted to visit flood-ravaged areas in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas.
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Following the resolution, the lawmakers moved through several flooded areas, assessed the level of destruction and listened to harrowing experiences of residents battling the disaster.
Addressing journalists after the inspection, Amaewhule said the visit was prompted by the motion and numerous distress calls from constituents.
“As an Assembly, we deemed it necessary to move around the streets of Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt to see things for ourselves. What we have seen clearly shows that flooding requires urgent attention,” he said.
The Speaker lamented that many families have been displaced while several roads have become inaccessible, describing the situation as a major concern that demands immediate government intervention.
He said the Assembly observed that some of the flooded locations were caused by blocked canals and neglected drainage channels, while others were the result of natural water flow.
He insisted that agencies responsible for desilting drains must be alive to their responsibilities to prevent avoidable flooding.
Amaewhule expressed optimism that the Rivers State Government would rise to the occasion and take necessary steps to tackle the flooding and protect lives and property.
