Residents of a flood-affected community in Delta State have rejected relief materials and food items provided by their council chairman, citing neglect and poor governance.
The community, which has endured severe flooding, accused the chairman of ignoring their plight until public pressure forced him to act.
According to Sahara Reporters, the community leaders voiced their frustrations during the chairman’s visit, stating, “We are not hungry.
“What we need is permanent solutions, not temporary handouts.”
The community accused the chairman of neglecting infrastructural and preventive measures that could have mitigated the flooding. They lamented that his intervention came too late and was merely an attempt to pacify them.
“This flooding happens every year, and nothing is done to protect us. Now, you bring food to gain political favor. We reject it,” said a local resident.
The council chairman reportedly pleaded with the residents to accept the materials, insisting his administration was working on long-term solutions. However, the community maintained its stance, demanding tangible actions such as better drainage systems and embankments to prevent future disasters.
The incident highlights growing dissatisfaction among grassroots communities over unfulfilled promises and temporary relief measures in the face of recurring disasters.