News
FG warns N’Delta, southern states of rising water, reveals cause of Maiduguri flood
By Francesca Hangeior.
The Federal Government has issued a warning to the Niger Delta and southern states to brace for possible flooding, while also revealing that the recent devastating Maiduguri flood was caused by the overflow of the Ngadda River, not a collapse of the Alau Dam as initially speculated.
During a press briefing, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engineer Joseph Utsev, clarified that the Alau Dam, located in Maiduguri, Borno State, remains intact.
He explained that the flood resulted from massive inflows from the Ngadda River, a major tributary of the River Yedzaram, which overwhelmed the dam’s dyke.
Utsev, alongside the Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Honourable Bello Goronyo, visited the flood-affected areas to assess the damage and express their sympathies to the government and people of Borno State.
Utsev expressed commitment to a thorough overhaul and upgrade of the Alau Dam, saying it is non-negotiable, and any poor performance by contractors or officials involved will not go unpunished.
He promised to provide sanitation kits and water treatment facilities to displaced persons as part of the ministry’s immediate intervention.
However, the Minister explained that the Ministry’s delayed arrival was due to prior irrigation inspections in the South West but reassured that the Alau Dam would be prioritized.
He said: “We didn’t actually envisage that the level of the water that comes this year it will be of this magnitude because of the climate change, the downpour was in excess, and the rivers could not actually contain the water, and more water that was unexpected was being spilled into Alau Dam, and it has spilled over the dyke.
“There was no collapse of Alau Dam. It was one of the dykes that could not hold excess water that came from the tributaries that overflowed the dam.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria and indeed the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation deeply sympathize with the government and the good people of Borno State on the flood disaster that befell us a few days ago.
“This flood disaster, directly and indirectly affected millions of Nigerians, destroying homes, property, farmlands, roads, critical infrastructure and assets, among others. I identify with you all as we progress to navigate through this difficult time.
“This flood disaster that affected Maiduguri and Jere areas of Borno State was largely due to overflow of water from Alau Dam which is about 10 kilometers from Maiduguri city centre owing to massive inflow from Ngadda river, a major tributary of River Yedzaram.
“The Minister of State, Rt. Hon. Bello Mohammad Goronyo and I have visited Maiduguri with Head of Agencies and Parastatals in my Ministry to express solidarity with the Governor, Borno State and to assess the extent of devastation caused by the flood. As I speak now, the team of technical experts from the Ministry, National Water Resources Institute (NWRI) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) including Chad Basin Development Authority are physically on ground to assess the situation in Alau Dam and the extent of the flood disaster and come up with useful findings and recommendations.”
Meanwhile, according to the Minister, reports of similar visits in Bauchi, Sokoto and Kebbi States have been produced and action is being taken, which he warned that the water people drink may be contaminated, “we should please be mindful of this, so as to avoid further outbreak of waterborne and communicable diseases.”
However, he warned that there is going to be serious flooding in the Niger Delta region and other southern states, hence the government and people should activate emergency measures to mitigate the impact.
“As we mourn the losses in Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Bauchi and other states affected by flooding, the attention of Nigerians is hereby drawn to the probable river flooding on rivers Niger and Benue and some of their tributaries. The daily flow on these rivers indicates significant increase in flow levels tending towards RED alert.
“This warning means that a large volume of water is moving through our rivers down to the delta region. Therefore, we should increase vigilance on all ramifications and step up proactive measures to address any eventual flooding events in the southern part of the country”, he said.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has stepped in to call for immediate action in the case of Segun Olowookere, an indigene who was sentenced to death for stealing a fowl.
Recall Segun’s mother, Folashade Olowookere, emotionally shared the story of her son, who is currently imprisoned, during an interview on Nollywood actress Biola Adebayo’s YouTube podcast. The video gained significant attention, including from Governor Adeleke.
Naijablitznews reports this was contained in a statement from the Governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke directed a swift investigation and ordered that steps be taken for a potential pardon in Segun’s case. The Governor further instructed the Attorney General to ensure Segun is considered for the prerogative of mercy before the year ends.
The statement read, “I have reviewed the case and acknowledge the importance of the separation of powers in our democracy. In this instance, I have instructed the Commissioner for Justice to begin the process of granting mercy to this young man.
“Osun is a state of justice and fairness. We must uphold the protection of lives and ensure equity.
“I want to assure the public that this matter is receiving my personal attention, and we are acting with urgency as a responsible government.”
The Delta State House of Assembly, on Tuesday, recalled two of its members that were suspended in November over alleged gross misconduct.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the recall was announced during plenary in Asaba by the Speaker, Mr Dennis Guwor.
Recall that the Assembly had on November 6 suspended Mr Dafe Chukudi (PDP-Ukwuani) for 14 legislative days over alleged gross misconduct, while Mr Oboro Preyor (PDP-Bomadi) was also suspended for 14 legislative days for the same offense on November 12.
“Dear colleagues, following the allegation of gross misconduct against our suspended members and subsequently, a committee on investigation headed by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Arthur Akpowowo, was set up.
“The committee has commenced investigation. However, the 14 days that they were suspended has elapsed. And by the confidence you all reposed in me as the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, and now that the 14 days of their suspension has elapsed, there is need to recall Mr Dafe Chukudi and Mr Oboro Preyor to resume their duties as members going forward.
“The suspended members are hereby recalled pending on the outcome of their investigative committee.”
Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker, Mr Arthur Akpowowo, expressed joy over the recall of the lawmakers, saying, “I am very happy that we have lifted their suspension.
“The Speaker has recalled them so that they can celebrate the Christmas with joy and even enter the New Year with some relief of happiness. For me, this is a party gift for me even though I’m not affected.”
By Gloria Ikibah
Ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives at 12 noon today, there is tight security at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
As early as 6.00 a.m., operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) and other security agencies, including the Police, Civil Defence, Federal Road Safety Corps, and Sergeant-at-Arms, were stationed at the gates and within the premises to ensure order and safety during the event.
Naijablitznews.com reports that staff of the National Assembly were directed to stay home, except those required for the event, who were instructed to report before 8.00 a.m., according to a memo issued by the Director of Human Resources and Staff Development.
Senators and House members were seen arriving at the Green Chamber, where the joint session is scheduled to take place. On Tuesday, during a closed-door plenary, the House of Representatives followed the tradition of moving a motion to allow non-members into the chamber for the session.
Naijablitznews.com recalled that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved an estimated expenditure of N47.96 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year during its meeting on Monday.
Meanwhile, business activities within the National Assembly complex, including banking and food services, have been suspended following directives from the Assembly’s management. Only those on an approved list, including staff, media personnel, and members of the press corps, are allowed access after identification at the gate.
The joint session will be presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas.
SEE Black Market Dollar (USD) To Naira (NGN) Rate As Of December 18, 2024
Gov Adeleke Speaks On Death Sentence For Chicken Thief
Delta Assembly pardons two suspended members
Just in: Terrorists ambush military truck, kill all soldiers on board
Nigerian Dancer, Korra Obidi Attacked with acid, stabbed on stage In UK
Meet Rare Gem 16 Years Old Chiaza, CEO of ‘RUN MARKET PLACE’
-
Metro23 hours agoPolice barred From Arbitrary Arrests, Detention Of Youths, Collection, Checking Of Phones
-
News20 hours agoN141bn Agreements: Reps to Probe Non-Delivery of Tractors, Harvesters
-
News22 hours agoCJN: Lack of conferencing cause of conflicting Court verdicts
-
Entertainment23 hours agoSinger Portable cries like a baby during prayer session
-
News23 hours agoNoise pollution:Govt Seals The Lord’s Chosen, Celestial Churches, Hotel, Restaurants
-
News23 hours agoDrama At Nigerian Code Of Conduct Tribunal As Two Chairman Lay Claim To Office
-
News21 hours agoFormer Ughelli/Udu Federal HoR Aspirant, Akpodiete Enrolled Over 120 Beneficiaries Into Health Insurance Scheme
-
News17 hours agoFG endorses N30 billion for 30 Fed Universities of Agric to begin mechanized farming