The recent devastating flood that ravaged Mokwa, claiming over a thousand lives and displacing countless families, marked a tragic chapter in Niger State’s history. The calamity, which officially unfolded on May 29th, has left scars not only on the land but also on the psyche of survivors desperately awaiting relief. While the Federal Government, through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and well-meaning Nigerians rallied to provide donations estimated at over N5 billion, serious questions remain about transparency, accountability, and the sincerity of leadership from the state government under Governor Bago.
Governor Bago has publicly praised the Federal Government and donors for their generosity. Yet when pressed to account for the actual disbursement of these funds and resources to victims, his administration’s narrative is fraught with ambiguity. How many victims have truly received aid? What amounts were given, and on what basis? The silence and opacity surrounding these critical questions have only fanned the flames of suspicion and discontent among the flood survivors and communities affected.
Reports from respected local media such as Daily Trust, ThisDayLive, and an investigation by The Nation, corroborated by messages streaming in from Mokwa people themselves, paint a grim picture of unmet needs and unfulfilled promises. Despite the flood occurring over three months ago, many survivors still endure excruciating hardship. Basic necessities remain scarce, and there is a profound sense of abandonment by those sworn to serve and protect them.
The State Government’s response from day one was, frankly, appalling. It was not until the Federal Government intervened that meaningful assistance arrived. NEMA’s proactive engagement highlighted a glaring deficit of readiness and compassion at the state level. Equally disheartening was Governor Bago’s apparent detachment at a critical time; reports indicate he embarked on an Umrah pilgrimage just two days after the flood struck. This absence during an unfolding national disaster in his own jurisdiction signaled a disturbing lack of leadership and empathy. The governor’s delay in returning and the failure to immediately cut short his journey further exacerbated concerns over his commitment to his responsibilities over which he swore to carry out if elected to office.
Upon return, Governor Bago made promises to the victims—pledges now three months old—that remain largely unfulfilled. These delays not only betray the trust of the people but also raise questions about the integrity of the administration’s handling of disaster relief funds. With donations totaling billions of naira, it is imperative that there be strict accountability and transparency. The people of Mokwa deserve nothing less than a full accounting of how these funds were raised, managed, and spent.
Therefore, a thorough and independent probe into the donations and their disbursement is no longer optional but a necessity. Such an inquiry must encompass both the Federal and State Governments’ roles, ensuring that aid intended for vulnerable flood victims reaches them without diversion or delay. The probe should be swift and publicly transparent, reinstating confidence in governance and offering solace to those who have been long overlooked.
In conclusion, the narrative emerging from Mokwa is not just about natural disaster; it is an indictment of leadership failure and governance deficiency. Governor Bago must step up decisively—account for the donations, ensure the fulfillment of promises, and demonstrate genuine concern for the flood victims whose agony persists. The dignity of Mokwa people and the credibility of Niger State’s government depend on nothing less.
