Warri North Lawmaker Urges Immediate Action on Ocean Surge Crisis

KOKO/Nigeria: The Member representing Warri North in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Fred Martins, has called for urgent intervention to address the devastating impacts of the recent ocean surge affecting parts of his constituency. The surge has severely impacted communities like Ogheye-Eghoroke, Ogheye-Dimigun, and other settlements along the Benin River in Warri North Local Government Area.

Hon. Martins, who also serves as the Deputy Chief Whip of the House, made this appeal during an inspection tour of the affected areas, alongside officials from the Delta State Government. The tour was organized to assess the extent of damage caused by the ocean surge and the accompanying heavy flooding.

Expressing his deep concern, Hon. Martins sympathized with the residents, noting the grave effects of the flooding on their lives and properties. He stressed the urgent need for both short-term relief and long-term solutions, including the construction of shoreline protection to prevent future occurrences.

“As a matter of urgency, I call on the federal government and relevant agencies to provide relief materials for the displaced families in these communities. However, beyond immediate palliatives, there is a critical need for a permanent solution to the recurring problem of ocean surges in our area,” Hon. Martins stated.

The lawmaker also appreciated the Delta State Government for its prompt response and visit to the affected communities to assess the damage. He emphasized that collaboration between all levels of government and oil companies operating in the region is necessary to mitigate the crisis.

“I urge the oil companies and multinational corporations operating in Warri North not to abandon these communities in their time of need. Their assistance is crucial to helping residents cope with the severe impacts of the ocean surge,” Martins added.

The Commissioner for the Bureau of Special Duties, Etacherure Ejiro Terry, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Prince Greg Ejohwomu, commiserated with the affected communities. He affirmed that the Delta State Government is committed to alleviating the suffering caused by the natural disaster.

“This visit, as directed by Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, is to assess the damages and devise appropriate measures to assist those affected. The pains of every Deltan concern the government, and we will ensure that necessary steps are taken to ease the suffering of the displaced residents,” Terry assured.

The Commissioner also called on oil companies and other stakeholders to collaborate with the government in finding lasting solutions to the persistent issue of ocean surges and high tides along the coast.

The inspection team included the Chairman of Warri North Local Government Council, Hon. Festus Ashima, the Director of Delta State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr. Karo Ovemeso, and other government officials.

The ocean surge, which began on Thursday, September 2, 2024, has caused severe flooding, forcing many residents to flee their ancestral homes as the waters continue to rise.