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CHRAN Questions Akwa Ibom Government’s Flood Preparedness, Calls for Long-Term Control Measures

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By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

The Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) has expressed concern over the level of preparedness of relevant agencies of the Akwa Ibom State Government to tackle flooding across the state.

The organisation’s reaction followed the devastating flooding that affected Uyo and other parts of the state last week after heavy rainfall, with media reports indicating that two persons lost their lives in the state capital.

In a statement made available to journalists in Uyo on Monday, CHRAN State Director, Mr. Franklin Udo Using, questioned why relevant government agencies failed to take proactive measures despite early flood warnings issued by the Federal Government.

“While we recognise that heavy rainfall is a natural phenomenon, the magnitude of the destruction witnessed in Uyo and its environs raises serious concerns about the level of preparedness of relevant agencies of the Government of Akwa Ibom State and the effectiveness of existing flood prevention and management strategies,” the statement said.

The organisation recalled that the Federal Government, through its relevant agencies, had earlier predicted flooding in several states, including Akwa Ibom, to give state governments adequate time to implement preventive measures.

According to CHRAN, such measures should have included desilting drainage channels, clearing blocked waterways, strengthening emergency response mechanisms, identifying vulnerable communities and putting contingency plans in place before the rains intensified.

“Against this backdrop, CHRAN is constrained to ask: What proactive measures did the Government of Akwa Ibom State take to mitigate the impact of the predicted floods? Were the relevant ministries, departments and agencies adequately mobilised? Were drainage systems desilted in good time? Were flood-prone communities properly sensitised and protected? These are questions that deserve clear and transparent answers,” the organisation stated.

CHRAN also expressed disappointment that Governor Umo Eno had not personally visited affected communities or bereaved families as of the time the statement was issued.

“While government institutions have their respective responsibilities, moments of tragedy demand visible, compassionate executive leadership,” the statement said.

The organisation maintained that the physical presence of a governor at the scene of a disaster reassures victims that they have not been abandoned and demonstrates that the government genuinely shares in their pain.

It criticised the government’s response as being limited to a press statement issued after the flooding had caused widespread destruction.

“In a disaster of this magnitude, such a response was neither timely nor sufficient. Crisis communication is not merely about issuing a press release; it is about demonstrating empathy, inspiring public confidence, calming anxieties and assuring citizens that their government is fully engaged in addressing their plight,” it added.

The rights group lamented that recurring flooding in Uyo and its environs had become an annual tragedy, describing the continued loss of lives and property as unacceptable despite advances in weather forecasting.

It urged the state government to move beyond reactive interventions by providing immediate relief materials to victims, conducting a comprehensive assessment of the damage, evacuating persons still trapped in flooded areas, clearing blocked drainage systems and structures obstructing waterways, commissioning an independent technical assessment of Uyo’s drainage infrastructure and developing a long-term, climate-resilient flood management strategy.

CHRAN also appealed to Governor Umo Eno to personally visit affected communities and families, while calling on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Akwa Ibom State Emergency Management Agency (AKSEMA), the State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, humanitarian organisations, corporate bodies, faith-based institutions and well-meaning Nigerians to support relief efforts for affected residents.

The organisation expressed condolences to the families of those who reportedly lost their lives in the flooding and pledged to continue monitoring the government’s response.

“CHRAN will continue to monitor the government’s response to this disaster and engage constructively to ensure that the lessons from this unfortunate incident translate into meaningful reforms that will safeguard lives and property,” the statement added.

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ENGR. BELLO BABAYO BELLO FELICITATES VICE PRESIDENT KASHIM SHETTIMA ON RENOMINATION

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Engr. Bello Babayo Bello, FNSE, Executive Director (Networks) of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, on his renomination as the Vice Presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, alongside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

In his message, Engr. Bello described the renomination as a beautiful affirmation of the Vice President’s enduring commitment to Nigeria’s unity, stability, and prosperity. He noted that Senator Shettima, himself a former Senator of the Federal Republic, has consistently embodied resilience, foresight, and a deep sense of responsibility, qualities that continue to inspire confidence across the nation.

“This renomination is a shining testament to your unwavering dedication to the Nigerian people,” Engr. Bello stated. “It reflects the trust of the party and the citizens in your ability to guide our country toward greater progress, peace, and prosperity. Your leadership has been a beacon of hope, and this endorsement is richly deserved.”

Engr. Bello further emphasized that Senator Shettima’s political journey has been marked by courage and service. From his tenure as Governor of Borno State to his current role as Vice President, he has consistently championed initiatives that address national challenges, foster economic growth, and promote inclusive development.

As a leader in the power sector, Engr. Bello highlighted the importance of visionary leadership in driving infrastructure and energy reforms. He expressed confidence that Senator Shettima’s continued role in government will further strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to deliver reliable power, expand opportunities, and improve the quality of life for millions of citizens.

He prayed that Almighty Allah grants the Vice President wisdom, strength, and good health to continue serving the nation with distinction. “May Allah bless your efforts, guide your decisions, and grant you success as you carry forward the responsibility of leadership,” he added.

The message concluded with a reaffirmation of goodwill and support: “Congratulations once again, Your Excellency. We look forward to your continued contributions to the peace, progress, and prosperity of Nigeria.”

Signed:Engr. Bello Babayo Bello, FNSEExecutive Director (Networks)Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC)

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Former Perm. Sec Ahmad Tijjani Abdullahi Commends Gov.Yusuf Over The Nomination Of Murtala Garo As Running Mate

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By Jabiru Hassan

A former Permanent Secretary in Kano State, Malam Ahmad Tijjani Abdullahi, has commended His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, for nominating Hon. Murtala Sule Garo as his running mate for the 2027 general elections.

In a congratulatory message issued shortly after the announcement, Malam Ahmad Tijjani described the choice as “a bold and strategic decision” that reflects the Governor’s commitment to inclusive governance and the progress of Kano State.

According to him, “The nomination of His Excellency, Hon. Murtala Sule Garo as Deputy Governor is a clear demonstration that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is a true democrat whose policies and ideology are centered on the development of Kano State in this democratic dispensation..” He further stated: “I am confident that this partnership will bring real and positive changes to Kano politics.

Hon. Garo has the quality, experience, and determination to contribute his quota towards the progress of our dear state and its political landscape.” Malam Ahmad Tijjani expressed optimism that the people of Kano will continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy under the joint leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and Hon. Murtala Sule Garo.

He thanked the Governor for his visionary and people-oriented leadership, and congratulated Hon. Murtala Sule Garo on his nomination, praying that Allah grants them the wisdom and strength to deliver effective transformation for Kano State.

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Power Belongs to God, A Study of Solomon Akpulonu’s ” Ikemsinachi” philosophy

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By Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu

Hon. Solomon Akpulonu’s, PDP’s candidate for Obingwa, Osisioma Ngwa, and Ugwunagbo federal constituency, political philosophy that ” His Power Comes from God” will continue to attract attention and deep reflection among critical minds. This aligns with the scriptural adminitoon that ” the race is not for swiftest rather time and seasons define and determine outcomes of events under the sun.

This political philosophy is indeed apt and falls within the realms of recent ambition. The Bible contains several instances where people who sought power, position, or authority through pride, deceit, rebellion, or selfish ambition were ultimately thwarted by God.

Notable examples abound to this effect.One is the” Tower of Babel” episode as recorded in Genesis 11:1–9. Here, the people sought to build a tower that would reach heaven to make a name for themselves and establish human greatness independent of God. “Come, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name…” (Genesis 11:4). God confused their language and scattered them across the earth. The lesson is that human ambition that exalts itself above God will ultimately fail.

Another is the Korah, Dathan and Abiram experience as captured in Numbers 16.They challenged the God-given leadership of Moses and Aaron.Ye take too much upon you…”God thwarted their ambition by the earth opening and swallowing them and their followers. The lesson here is that God defends legitimate authority and opposes rebellious ambition.

Akpulonu’s Unique Selling Point (USP) is that all these while he has surrendered his ambitions within the realms of decent political ambition,unlike majority of political- power seekers who fire their ambitions beyond reasonable limits, fitting Thomas Wolsey’s charge to Cromwell to align his ambition within reasonable limits. Akpulonu’s alignment of his political- power ambition with the dictates and perfect will of God is a clear testing that” self- appointment can never replace God’s choice “. Indeed, power comes from God.” Ikesinachi!”

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