Flooding: Benue CSOs hail Buhari's timely interventions for IDPs

The Coalition of Civil Society Groups in Benue State for Good Governance has applauded President Muhammadu Buhari for the Federal Government's numerous interventions in the state through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). 

The group said that NEMA's response to flooding has been timely, thus, ameliorating the effects of the natural disaster. 

The coalition made this known in a commendation letter to President Buhari and co-signed by its convener Comrade Gajir Paul and Secretary, Apeh Onuh.  

In the letter made public on Monday, the Coalition hailed NEMA Director General, Alhaji Mustapha Ahmed, for undertaking an on-the-spot assessment of the situation in Benue. 

According to the group, in the case of the state, the DG empathized with the people over the flood and ensured the distribution of relief materials was timely amidst the efforts to ensure that life returned to normal in the affected communities.   

"It is no surprise that Mr President, through the relevant agencies, is committed to cushioning the effect of the disaster on the people, and Benue state happens to be at the forefront of states that have benefited from the commendable leadership initiative that has been impactful on the victims of flooding in Benue state.

"May we also bring to the attention of Mr President the commendable role of the Honorable Minster of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development. Her concern for Benue State's flood victims and her role in joining other actors to ensure relief gets to the people is proof of her pro-activeness in discharging her ministry's mandate," the letter added. 

"The activities of NEMA in mitigating the effect of the flooding in Benue state are top-notch. Therefore, it is our opinion that under its present leadership, NEMA has lived up to expectations in disaster management in the country. 

"The DG has entrenched a regime of transparency and accountability in the operations of NEMA, which is in line with the strategic focus of the Muhammadu Buhari administration. This has reinforced the disposition of Mr President in ensuring that government business must be in the best interest of the country and not a select few.  

"The Coalition of Civil Society in Benue for Good Governance is pleased with the management of the flood disaster in Benue state. It wishes to state unequivocal terms that the NEMA is under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development supervision. 

"The Benue state example suffices. And we wish to commend Mr President on his choice of leadership of the critical National Emergency Management Agency. The stated fact implies that leaders burning with a passion for creating a difference in the lives of the citizenry are at the core of sustainable growth and development". 

The Coalition, therefore, said that the DG of NEMA has justified the confidence reposed on him by rejigging the operations of NEMA towards an effective disaster management regime in the country. 

"As a coalition of Civil Society groups in Benue state, our commitment to the sustained policy initiatives of this administration remains unflinching. We pledge to continue to support the laudable initiatives geared towards sustainable growth and development in the country," it added. 

"Mr President, your leadership strides in the country have elicited hope in the country's citizenry. The Coalition of Civil Society for Good Governance in Benue state salutes your courage and passion towards a better Nigeria. 

The professionalism NEMA has shown will be sustained and cannot, for any reason, be compromised."