Millions of Nigerians are homeless, and properties and farmlands running into billions of Naira are destroyed by the ravaging floods. About five hundred Nigerians are dead as a result of the flood. This preventable tragedy is caused by indifferent, deficit and incompetent leadership at the federal level coupled by uncaring state governments and impotent local council administration. Leadership at all levels is mouthing condolence messages to the victims for a situation within their power to prevent. Rudderless leadership continues to plague the nation sending millions of Nigerians into the nadir of poverty, destitution and death. Famine is looming in the horizon.
Scientists, the globe over, are wont to explain the devastating floods in the prism of climate change. The Pond News agrees with them but with a caveat. The floods in Nigeria are caused by government neglect and insensitivity to the plight of the people. The primary objective of governance which is security and welfare of the people is observed by governments at all levels more in breach. Pointing arguing fingers at Cameroon as to the cause of the flood is wicked, satanic and is a narrative from the hottest part of hell. The Nigerian government should be held responsible for the ugly tragedy befalling the country.
Agreed that waters from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon are the culprits responsible for the floods, but Nigeria and Cameroon signed an agreement in 1977 to construct Dasin Hausa Dam in Adamawa State. The dam if built is to receive waters from the Lagdo Dam and prevent any overflow to either Nigeria or Cameroon. The Dam is also supposed to be used in generating electricity and to irrigate about 150,000 hectares of farmlands in Adamawa, Benue and Taraba states. Yet the Abuja authority is not interested in the construction of the dam. This is the height of political irresponsibility and rascality beyond compare in any part of the world. If lesser endowed Cameroon can take care of its citizens, what is stopping Nigeria for doing the same?
Rather the Nigerian government is more interested in constructing railway line to Niger Republic that has no visible economic benefits. The so called sending of relief materials to the victims of the floods are mere afterthoughts. The Nigerian government should do the needful: the construction of the Dasin Hausa Dam now.
It is also very unfortunate and outlandish that the presidential candidates of All Progressives Congress, the Peoples Democratic Party and Labour Party are dumb on this issue. They prefer the indolent option of sending messages of condolence to the flood victims. The Pond news understands that now is the time for the presidential front runners to tell Nigerians their plans to tackle this annual flooding of the country. Preventing future floods must occupy the front burner of political discourse. Nigerians must reject leaders who are not ready to minister to their welfare and security. The building of Dasin Hausa Dam must no longer be delayed for the consequences are too grave and apocalyptic. The reality is deeply troubling.
