𝗙𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘀𝘁, 𝗗𝗿. 𝗠𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗨𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗮 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗧𝗼 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀

By NigerDelta Voice,

𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗮, 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮.

Renowned environmental rights activist and development advocate, Chief (Comrade) Sheriff Mulade, PhD, has called on governors of the Niger Delta states to urgently implement proactive measures to reduce the impact of the anticipated flooding across the region, warning that delays could result in avoidable loss of lives and widespread destruction of property.

Mulade made the appeal in a statement issued on Monday following flood predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which warned of increased rainfall and heightened flood risks during the peak of the rainy season.

The environmental advocate expressed concern over what he described as the recurring failure of political leaders to adequately prepare for seasonal flooding, stressing that governments must place the welfare and safety of citizens above political interests.

According to him, communities across the Niger Delta continue to suffer the devastating effects of annual flooding, with many residents yet to recover from the massive destruction caused by the historic 2012 floods and subsequent flood disasters.

Mulade, who is the National Coordinator of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) and the Ibe-Sorimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Delta State, said the absence of sustainable flood prevention and disaster management policies has left many vulnerable communities exposed to repeated environmental disasters.

He warned that without coordinated and timely intervention, the anticipated flooding could destroy homes, farmlands, public infrastructure and means of livelihood across several parts of the Niger Delta.

The environmental campaigner urged governors in the region to work closely with relevant federal agencies, emergency management authorities, local government councils and community leaders to develop effective flood mitigation strategies.

He recommended the immediate evacuation of residents from high-risk flood-prone communities, desilting of blocked waterways and drainage systems, strengthening emergency response mechanisms, provision of relief materials and healthcare services, as well as sustained public enlightenment campaigns to minimise the impact of the floods.

Mulade particularly identified Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers States as areas that have historically suffered severe flooding and urged their governments to intensify preventive efforts to protect lives and property.

He maintained that proactive planning, strong intergovernmental collaboration and genuine commitment to the welfare of citizens remain the most effective ways to prevent another large-scale flood disaster in the Niger Delta.

The appeal comes as NiMet continues to warn of heavy rainfall across several parts of Nigeria, with authorities urging residents in flood-prone communities to remain vigilant and comply with safety advisories throughout the rainy season.