Protect vulnerable Nigerians, Peter Obi urges govts

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has called on governments at all levels to prioritise disaster prevention, strengthen emergency preparedness and protect vulnerable citizens from avoidable crises.

Obi made the call in a Facebook post commemorating the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, where he expressed concern over the growing challenges confronting Nigerians, including flooding, insecurity, displacement, hunger, malnutrition and poverty.

The former Anambra State governor attributed the country’s vulnerability to disasters partly to governance failures, inadequate planning, weak institutions and insufficient emergency preparedness.

ALSO READ: Niger Delta deserves more than 13 percent derivation, Obasanjo says at refinery inauguration in Bayelsa

He said millions of Nigerians were contending with natural hazards and preventable crises that had worsened their living conditions and threatened their livelihoods.

“Although disasters cannot always be prevented, their effects can be limited through accountable leadership, early warning mechanisms, responsible land-use planning, durable infrastructure, efficient emergency services, and prompt humanitarian assistance,” Obi said.

He warned that when governments failed to identify risks early or respond effectively to emergencies, vulnerable citizens suffered the greatest consequences.

The NDC presidential candidate also argued that the performance of governments should be measured by the safety, dignity and quality of life of citizens rather than revenue figures, economic indicators or official ceremonies.
According to him, no government can credibly claim progress while citizens are displaced by floods, abducted by criminals, subjected to hunger or left without adequate protection against foreseeable threats.

Obi urged federal, state and local governments to adopt a people-centred approach to disaster risk reduction by investing in preventive measures, improving emergency response systems and ensuring transparency in the management of disaster funds.

He further called for the prompt delivery of relief materials and sustainable rehabilitation programmes for communities affected by disasters.

“Nigeria must not accept avoidable suffering as normal. Protecting the safety, security, and welfare of our people is a core responsibility of government,” he said.
Obi stressed the need to build a country where effective governance reduces risks, safeguards lives and guarantees citizens the opportunity to live in safety and dignity.

He maintained that Nigerians could be protected from the most severe consequences of disasters through responsible leadership and effective planning.