Adamawa govt hits Atiku over comments on flood disaster
By Mohd Ismail
In what is seen as a full blown confrontation, Adamawa State government has frontally attacked former vice president Atiku Abubakar over his comments regarding Sunday’s rampaging flood that left in its trail, deaths, destruction and displacement in Yola South LGA.
In the wake of the flood disaster, former vice president Atiku Abubakar has released a statement commending some organizations for their prompt emergency response and maintained sealed lips on the state government’s response.
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The organizations he commended include the Nigeria Police Force, the 23rd army brigade Yola and marine officers.
“I’m deeply saddened by the devastating floods that have displaced hundreds of families in Adamawa State. My heart goes out especially to the children and residents still missing. As a son of Adamawa, I stand in full solidarity with the affected communities during this difficult time.
“I commend the swift response of the Adamawa State Police Command and the 23rd Armoured Brigade, Yola, as well as the brave marine officers who are leading rescue operations. Their courage is a source of hope.
“Moving forward, we must act with urgency. I strongly urge both state and federal authorities to implement contingency plans for vulnerable communities prone to flooding. We must not wait for disaster to strike before we act,” he said.
Atiku Abubakar who spearheaded the second term election bid of governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri under the banner of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) allegedly had a prolonged misunderstanding with the governor over what analyst described as conflicting political interests.
The difference may not be unconnected with the presidential ambition of the former vice presidential which appears not to be in tandem with the governor’s political interest over his romance with Wike, a renowned Atiku Abubakar’s political foe.
The rift çame to the open when a close associate of the former vice president, Mr Umar Bello Jada aka Calculate bursted the bubble by openly owning up to the no love lost between the two politicians.
In the build up to the 2023 general election, Wike who is a renowned financier of PDP, mobilized five governors of the party to work against the presidential ambition of Atiku Abubakar.
But expressing disgust over Atiku’s statement, Adamawa State government took exception to any remark that portrayed it as negligent of the people at a critical time of natural disaster adding that such picture was not only uncharitable but did not mirrors the true situation on ground.
A statement by Chief press secretary to governor Fintiri, Humwashi Wonosikou noted in strong terms that the government has since its inception worked strenuously and round the clock to promote the welfare of the citizens.
“The Adamawa State Government is dismayed by comments from certain leaders, including former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, suggesting that the government was not proactive in addressing the recent flooding in the state.
“We take exception to the insinuation that Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s administration neglected the people.
Contrary to these claims, our government has invested heavily in providing storm drains and waterways, knowing the state’s propensity for flooding.
“We urge the public to recall our swift response to the Borno State flooding disaster, where we were among the first to provide cash and logistical support,” the statement said.
Wonosikou noted that when the Sunday morning flood struck the state, the Deputy Governor, Prof Kaletapwa Farauta promptly mobilized government agencies, including the military and marine police, to the scene.
“Under her leadership of the deputy governor and with the governor’s directives, the State Emergency Management Agency was tasked with providing urgent relief to affected citizens. We must correct the narrative that the government was silent while others acted.
“The truth is, the government spearheaded the response efforts. The engine boats used in the rescue operations are owned by the state government.
“Furthermore, the abandoned Chochi project, which some are pointing to as a factor in the flooding, was not initiated or abandoned by Governor Fintiri’s administration.
“We appeal to all, especially political leaders, to refrain from misinformation and allow the facts to guide public discourse during this critical moment. Politics aside, the people of Adamawa deserve accurate information and support. By highlighting these facts, we hope to set the record straight and focus on supporting our citizens through this challenging time,” the statement concludes.
