Rivers governorship candidate calls for permanent response to flooding
Democratic Leadership Alliance governorship candidate Warigbani Ezekiel has called for a permanent flood-management agency in Rivers State after recent flooding displaced residents and damaged livelihoods. He also alleged threats and disruption of opposition activity, asking security agencies and electoral authorities to investigate and protect political participation.
Warigbani Ezekiel, the Democratic Leadership Alliance’s governorship candidate in Rivers State, has called for a long-term response to recurrent flooding in the state. In an Independence Day message, Ezekiel said recent floods had displaced families, submerged farmland, damaged businesses and disrupted livelihoods. He named Ahoada West, Abua/Odual, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Tai, Oyigbo, Andoni, Obio/Akpor and parts of Port Harcourt among affected areas.
He said the situation raised questions about the government’s ability to protect citizens from foreseeable disasters. In his view, the response should extend beyond seasonal relief efforts and include a comprehensive flood-management plan. Ezekiel proposed establishing a permanent Rivers State Flood Management Agency, with early-warning systems across the state’s 23 local government areas.
He also called for major rivers to be dredged and blocked canals and waterways to be cleared. The candidate urged the Federal Government, the National Emergency Management Agency and the Rivers State Government to provide relief materials, medical supplies and temporary shelters to people affected by the current flooding. He said independence should be measured by improvements in security, infrastructure and quality of life.
Ezekiel also disclosed that he had received an anonymous telephone warning him to stop campaigning and making public speeches. He said his legal team had been instructed to report the matter to the state commissioner of police and the Department of State Services. He further alleged that political meetings had been disrupted, billboards destroyed and opposition members intimidated in parts of Rivers State.
The source material did not provide an official response to those allegations. Ezekiel called on security agencies to investigate and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure equal conditions for political parties ahead of the 2027 elections. He said his proposed administration, under the theme “A Fresh Page”, would prioritise flood management, security and political freedoms.
This independently written report is based on information supplied by the named publisher. Vertrix News has not independently verified the source report.