The Ebonyi Government on Sunday cautioned opposition groups against politicising natural disasters or exploiting victims’ plight for partisan purposes.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Chief Ikeuwa Omebe, gave the warning while reacting to remarks by opposition politicians on the recent flood in Akaeze.
Akaeze is in Ivo Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
Omebe said the government had taken proactive measures to ameliorate the victims’ plight by directing the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
He said SEMA was coordinating appropriate emergency-response measures to address the impact of the disaster on affected communities.
“Political actors have constitutional rights to canvass for public support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“But public discourse should remain issue-based, responsible and devoid of inflammatory rhetoric capable of aggravating anxiety,” he said.
Omebe urged political parties, candidates, community leaders and other stakeholders to demonstrate restraint during discussions concerning the disaster.
He said they should place the safety, dignity and welfare of citizens above partisan considerations.
The commissioner reiterated the government’s concern and sympathy for Akaeze flood victims and other communities affected by recent flooding.
“The government acknowledges the resultant displacement of households and destruction of farmlands, crops, properties and other means of livelihood.
“These have caused attendant hardship and disruption across affected communities,” he said.
Omebe said the government had intensified coordinated emergency-response measures, including relief and rehabilitation efforts.
He added that the state was engaging federal emergency-management institutions, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
According to him, the engagement is aimed at securing complementary intervention and support for affected communities.
Omebe said the welfare and security of residents remained central to Gov. Francis Nwifuru’s ‘People’s Charter of Needs’ administration.
He urged affected residents to remain calm and cooperate with emergency officials conducting assessments and coordinating relief operations.
“Residents are advised against returning prematurely to flood-prone areas or occupying structurally compromised buildings until declared safe by appropriate authorities,” he said.
Omebe urged residents to take weather and flood alerts issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and other competent authorities seriously.
He advised residents of flood-prone communities to monitor official forecasts and early-warning information while complying with evacuation advisories.
“They should also avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges and waterways, while promptly reporting emerging threats to relevant emergency-response agencies,” he said.
The commissioner commended residents, traditional institutions, local government authorities, security agencies and first responders for their resilience.
He said the Nwifuru administration remained committed to protecting lives, safeguarding livelihoods and reducing vulnerability to future flooding.
