The Rivers State House of Assembly has suspended other legislative activities to urgently assess the worsening flood situation across the state, following reports of widespread destruction of homes, roads and sources of livelihood.
The decision was reached on Tuesday during the 55th Legislative Sitting of the Fourth Session of the Assembly after the Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Linda Somiari-Stewart, raised a Motion of Definite Matter of Urgent Public Importance under Order 26 of the House’s Standing Orders.
Somiari-Stewart drew the attention of lawmakers to the plight of residents affected by the flooding, noting that several communities had suffered severe damage, with homes, properties and means of livelihood destroyed.
She also expressed concern over reports of poisonous reptiles entering homes submerged by floodwaters, warning that the situation posed serious threats to the safety and lives of residents.
The Deputy Majority Leader urged the Assembly to take immediate action to address the situation, calling on lawmakers to visit affected communities to assess the extent of the destruction and identify the urgent needs of residents.
Ruling on the motion, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, sympathised with residents affected by the flooding and directed members to visit their respective constituencies to assess the situation and provide whatever assistance they could.
The motion was subsequently put to a vote, with lawmakers unanimously supporting the resolution to visit flood-affected communities in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas.
Following the resolution, members of the Assembly moved to several affected locations, where they inspected the extent of the destruction and interacted with residents who recounted their experiences during the disaster.
Speaking with journalists after the inspection, Amaewhule said the lawmakers’ visit was prompted by the motion adopted by the House and numerous distress calls received from constituents across the state.
He explained that the Assembly considered it necessary to personally inspect the affected communities rather than rely solely on reports about the flooding.
The Speaker said the inspection of streets and neighbourhoods in Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt revealed the urgent need for government intervention to address the situation.
According to him, several families had been displaced by the floods, while some roads had become inaccessible, disrupting movement and normal daily activities.
Amaewhule further disclosed that the inspection revealed that flooding in certain locations was caused by blocked canals and neglected drainage channels, while other areas were affected by natural water flow.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that government agencies responsible for desilting and maintaining drainage infrastructure effectively discharge their duties to reduce the risk of flooding.
The Speaker noted that regular clearing of drainage channels and canals would help prevent flooding in communities where blocked waterways contribute to the accumulation of water.
Amaewhule also expressed optimism that the Rivers State Government would take the necessary steps to mitigate the impact of the flooding, protect lives and property, and provide relief to affected residents.
The Assembly’s intervention comes amid reports of flooding across several parts of Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor, where residents in affected communities continue to experience disruptions to transportation, businesses and other daily activities.
The lawmakers’ inspection is expected to provide the Rivers State House of Assembly with first-hand information about the scale of the disaster, the challenges confronting affected residents and the urgent interventions required to address the situation.
The development has highlighted the importance of effective drainage maintenance, timely government intervention and coordinated efforts to protect communities from the growing impact of flooding across Rivers State.