By Henry Umoru

The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), led by Chief Edwin Clark, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to direct concerned Federal Government Ministries and Agencies to take immediate and decisive actions to protect coastal states from impending flooding.

In a statement by its National Secretary, Dr. Alfred Mulade, PANDEF emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that every minute counts and prompt attention is crucial to prevent catastrophic consequences.

The predicted disaster poses an existential threat to millions of Nigerians living in vulnerable areas, including Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Rivers, Delta, and Edo states. PANDEF urged President Tinubu to take proactive measures, such as:

Reinforcing and upgrading flood defenses and embankments, Evacuating people living in high-risk areas, Rapidly deploying emergency relief materials and aid, Providing comprehensive support for affected communities, including rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts, Constructing shelters on higher grounds for displaced persons

PANDEF stressed that the Federal Government should treat this situation with utmost urgency and seriousness to protect the lives of the affected population.