Gov.Nwifuru Warns: Don’t Politicise Flood Disasters Ahead of 2027

Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru

From Nabob Ogbonna, Abakaliki

Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, on Sunday cautioned opposition parties against politicising natural disasters such as flooding or exploiting the plight of affected residents for partisan purposes ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Nwifuru, who acknowledged that political actors have the constitutional right to canvass for public support, said it was important for public discourse to remain issue-based, responsible and devoid of inflammatory rhetoric.

The governor stated this in a statement issued on Sunday and made available to journalists by the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barr. Ikeuwu Omebeh.

He therefore urged political parties, candidates, community leaders and other stakeholders to exercise restraint and place the safety, dignity and welfare of citizens above partisan interests.

According to him, “Natural disasters should not be politicised or used as an avenue to exploit the plight of affected citizens for partisan purposes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“It is true that political actors have the constitutional right to canvass for public support, and government considers it important that public discourse remains issue-based, responsible and devoid of inflammatory rhetoric.
“Political parties, candidates, community leaders and other stakeholders should demonstrate restraint and place the safety, dignity and welfare of citizens above partisan interests.”

Nwifuru also urged residents, particularly those living in flood-prone areas, to take seriously weather warnings and flood alerts issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and other competent authorities.

He assured victims affected by the recent flooding in parts of the state that the government would provide appropriate support and relief.

“We are aware of some areas recently affected by flooding. As a government, we have directed the State Emergency Management Agency to assess the situation and coordinate an appropriate response to the victims,” he said.

The governor advised residents of flood-prone communities to monitor official weather forecasts and early-warning information and to comply with evacuation orders where necessary.

He further urged residents to avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges and waterways and to promptly report emerging threats to relevant emergency-response agencies.