The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has donated the sum of N55 million to flood victims in Bayelsa state.
Atiku, while speaking at the government house, Yenagoa, during a sympathy visit on Tuesday, October 25, said that the donation was his token to support the recovery process of those affected by the flood.
He lamented the effect of the flood on the lives and economy of people of the state, and called on the federal government and public-spirited individuals and organizations to support Bayelsa state in this difficult moment.
The former vice-president advocated the setting up of an independent flood disaster relief fund that will provide succour to victims and a temporary fund for farmers to ameliorate their losses and provide them with capital for next year’s planting season.
He also urged the federal government to build the required infrastructure to contain excess water.
He said if elected president in 2023, he would commit to completing the dam in Adamawa state and take other necessary measures to ensure that Nigeria does not suffer this magnitude of damage as a result of flooding.
Atiku said that, “Let me thank Bayelsa delegates for their support during the last presidential primary election of our party.
“My visit to Yenagoa is to have a personal experience of the devastation that victims of flooding have suffered across the country.
“Climate change is real. The experience in Bayelsa is disheartening. Human lives and public infrastructure have been destroyed.
“People who are likely to survive this flood have lost their livelihood and need every ounce of support they can get. I commiserate with them.
“Permit me to take this sober moment to send my personal commiserations to former president Goodluck Jonathan for the manner in which the flood affected him.
“On behalf of my family and I, I wish to announce the sum of N55 million to the flood victims in Bayelsa state and call on my friends in the corporate world to also assist the victims of the flood,” he added.
The Bayelsa state governor, Douye Diri, while speaking on Tuesday, said that the people of the state were encouraged by the display of love by the former vice-president.
Governor Diri, while confirming receipt of the donation, said that he was the first presidential candidate to donate such an amount, assuring that the money will be paid into the flood relief account for the benefit of victims.
Diri also lamented the slow response of the federal government despite several efforts by him to get the attention of the relevant authorities, Nigerian Tribune reports.
