By Musa Yaro, Calabar
ASHENEWS reports that President Muhammadu Buhari has said that there is no amount of relief materials provided by the Federal government that could replace the effects of flooding on affected communities.
Buhari stated this at the distribution of presidential palliatives to 2022 flood victims in seven local government areas of Cross River in Calabar on Monday.
Represented by the Minister of state (Power), Mr. Goddy Jedy-Agba, President Buhari said, “this gesture is not the physical distribution of materials, rather it represents compassion, empathy and sympathy from the federal government towards our people.
“We are aware that no amount of relief provided by the federal government can replace the effects of the flood, however these items will help in softening the challenges of the victims.
“This is not to compensate you for the losses but to alleviate your sufferings, we hope that this will be a stepping stone towards reintegrating you into the society and helping you to progress from there.”
He charged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in conjunction with the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to remain effective and efficient in the distribution of the materials as designed.
“Social relief packs, nutritional packs, building materials and other accessories will be distributed in the affected local government areas, I have personally inspected the store and I assure you that I saw as I came but I didn’t conquer.
“I won’t elaborate on the modalities of distribution which has been worked out by NEMA, but I assure you because I am convinced, having seen what I saw that you will be fairly and equitably treated,” he assured.
The Representative of the Minister of Niger Delta, Engr. John Ngene, lauded the federal government for demonstrating concern and the provision of welfare packages for affected victims, reasoning that the relief materials will help alleviate their plight.
Ngene, a Director in the ministry informed that the distribution will be done in partnership with SEMA that knows the victims.
Earlier, an assistant Director (NEMA-Abuja), Alhaji Suleiman Mohammed, assured that the agency will do its best in ensuring the equitable distribution of the materials to targeted victims in the state.
Applauding the federal government for its foresight in initiating such assistance, Mohammed said, “we cannot pay you what is lost but to only render assistance.”
Odukpani, Bekwarra, Ogoja, Boki, Obanliku local government areas among others, will benefit from the said palliatives.
