By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Federal lawmakers have asked the government to set up a committee to examine ways to rescue communities in Ondo State affected by ocean surge cause by climate change.
Senators made the call based a motion sponsored by Senator Tofowomo Nicholas (PDP, Ondo South), and suggested as panel members the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Ondo State government, Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Consolidated Oil, Chevron Oil, and Cavendish Oil.
Tofowomo recalled that he had on November 25, 2020 moved a motion drawing the attention of the Senate and the federal government to the plight of Ayetoro community, following an ocean surge which destroyed 300 homes.
Three resolutions were reached but none was executed, he lamented.
His words: “I moved a motion on Ayetoro community, Ondo State for suffering a severe ocean disaster which has destroyed over 300 houses and swept away fishing tools making Ayetoro floating city a disaster.
“Three resolutions were made which are as follows; Urge the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Ondo State Government to respond and assist victims in the community as well as develop a master plan that includes building of ocean barriers to control flooding and ocean surge in the region;
“Urge the Nigeria Maritime, Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to visit Ayetoro to ascertain the level of destruction in the community with a view to proffer solution to prevent future occurrence; and
“Urge Oil Producing Companies to assist the community in re-building some of the infrastructure destroyed by the surge.”
Tofomowo said he was “very angry and disturbed” that Ayetoro floating city has been abandoned since November 2020 and none of the resolutions was executed.
“The question now is, who is going to assist the community? I am now appealing to federal government to please come to Ayetoro’s rescue by setting up a rescue committee that will include the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Ondo State government, Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the oil companies within the region without delay.”
The Senate agreed with him and urged the federal government to set up a rescue committee that include Ondo State government, NDDC, NIMASA, Consolidated Oil, Chevron Oil, and Cavendish Oil.
