… Warns Against Politicization Of Humanitarian Services
From Segun Babatunde in Bauchi
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has paid a sympathy visit to the victims of recent flood disaster in Darazo local government area of the state, where over 100 households, including valuables were destroyed.calling on the Federal Government to immediately come to the aid of the affected victims.
The Governor however warned against using politics in humanitarian affairs, because according to him, “addressing the humanitarian needs of the citizens of the country should be done regardless of their political or regional affiliations. Giving assistance should not be politicized”.
The Governor while addressing the victims of the flood at the palace of the district head of Darazo on Monday, pledged government’s timely intervention to cushion the effect of the disaster on the lives of the affected households.
“We are here on behalf of the Bauchi state government to sympathize with the people of Darazo, especially the district head,the chairman of the local government and all the residents of Darazo because of the flood that destroyed over 100 houses and properties”, he said.
Governor Mohammed while expressing gratitude to God that no life was lost in the incident, lamented that a lot of properties were lost.
“That is why because of inclusiveness of our government, we came to see for ourselves. We had earlier sent our sympathy messages to the affected persons but then, I felt it is important to personally come and see for myself”, Bala further said.
The Governor said that the government will trace the source of the flood which comes from outside to find its way into the town with a view to finding a lasting solution.
According to him, the state government is going to send in some solace and succor in terms of assistance to all the houses affected in the area.
The Governor who said the state government has informed the local government chairman on the need for community engagement, called on the federal government not to politicize issues of humanitarian services.
Governor Mohammed alleged that some people that have been entrusted by the presidency are using such for political reasons.
“They should fear God, because what is happening they should come and inspect and see, not just to give money to people who will vote for them, this is not about voting or about politics, it’s about life and death”, the Governor observed.
He called on the federal government to also come with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to assist the flood victims.
Governor Mohammed who assured the affected persons of his intention to personally write to the federal government for intervention, noted that the communities affected in Bauchi state are many.
“It happened in Kirfi, it happened here, it happened in Gwaram, it happened in Gololo, it’s happening everywhere”, Governor Bala said.
The Governor who pointed out that the state government has taken comprehensive assessment of the situation, noted that even the world bank has involved at the instance of the state with the purpose of finding solution to the problem.
“We are going to address this by the grace of God. All we need is your patience and assistance, the federal government is a big body and we are partnering with them, with the world bank to make sure we provide succor and solution on a lasting and more concrete situation”, the Governor announced.
On his part, the Darazo Local Government Council Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Bello while commending the Governor for executing meaningful developmental projects not only in his domain but across the state thanked him for the visit.
