Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has said the state is prepared to weather the potential risk of flooding in the event of the opening of the Lagdo Dam.
He said, beyond thinking of solutions, the state has engaged in massive enlightenment campaigns to mitigate the risk.
He disclosed this to State House correspondents on Thursday after meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.
Governor Alia sought to dispel concerns about the state’s readiness for possible floods, a recurring issue in the region.
He highlighted the administration’s focus on preventive measures rather than reactive planning.
He clarified that, rather than merely contemplating actions, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) is fully equipped to handle any flood-related challenges.
The governor also mentioned ongoing discussions about dredging the river and exploring various options before seeking federal government support.
He said, “I didn’t say we are thinking about what to do when the floods come. We are not thinking—we are prepared. We are creating awareness for all our people. Maybe why you mentioned that is the fact that I had said the river requires dredging.
“So before the dredging, there are a number of things on the table, exploring to see which are the best options before the federal government comes in to support us.
“So for the record, we’re not just waiting. We have SEMA, an emergency management team. They have the capacity to take charge of all this, and they are already quite armed. We pray that the flood doesn’t come, but if it does, we are definitely equal to the task.”
Alia acknowledged the persistent issue of residents living in flood-prone areas along waterways.
He outlined a two-pronged approach of appealing to these individuals while also emphasizing the risks associated with their choices.
“When you find such people, what do you do? You appeal to them, and if it doesn’t work by appeal, when it happens to them, then it’s their risk,” Alia explained.
Regarding the recent Supreme Court decision on local government autonomy, Governor Alia responded to allegations of candidate imposition in local government elections.
He defended the nomination process, describing it as transparent and inclusive. “What we did was to engage in a direct process,” Alia explained, stating that hardworking APC members were supported for nominations.
The governor emphasized the fairness of the process, acknowledging that while there might be some dissatisfaction, efforts were made to give everyone a voice.
“I wouldn’t try to toy with the reputation I built with my name and personality,” Alia asserted, reaffirming his commitment to transparency.
Looking ahead to the October 5th elections, Governor Alia expressed excitement and advised those who might not succeed at the polls to remain optimistic about future opportunities.
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