By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
KOGI House of Assembly has called on the State Government to direct Kogi State Property Management Limited to suspend forthwith, its planned eviction of flood victims currently occupying the Estate constructed for them.
The Assembly made the call in a resolution arising from the adoption of a motion of Urgent Public Importance calling on Kogi State Government to Come to the Aid of Flood Victims in Felele Estate.
Hon. Bin-Ebaiya Shehu Tijani (APC-Lokoja I) who moved the motion appealed to the Kogi State Government to assist the victims with financial grants, if they must move, to enable them rent houses to facilitate their relocation before implementing the eviction order.
The legislator also implored the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to liaise with relevant agencies and authorities to intervene in the affairs of the flood victims.
He said, “The Felele Estate was built with counterpart funds of the Federal Mortgage Bank and the Kogi State Government through Kogi State Investment and Property Limited.
“The House to note that the camp was officially declared open by the State Government though the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) on the 10th of September, 2017 as a place of temporary habitation for the flood victims of that year, to provide them with succour towards relieving them of the hardship caused by the disasters
“It will equally interest the House to note that the immediate past Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, in ameliorating the suffering of the victims, sank boreholes in the Estate to cater for their water needs.
“In appreciation, the over 850 victims mobilized themselves to work for the re-election of the APC government at all levels; including organizing a prayer session for the success of the present Government.
“Sadly, the victims are today tagged illegal occupants by the Kogi State Property Management Limited and are mandated to vacate the Estate within a short time as the buildings are put up for sale.
“Currently the victims, who can hardly afford three meals a day, are left to look for another shelter for themselves”, Hon. Shehu-Tijani said.
The Legislators at plenary in their various submissions, aligned themselves with the motion and its prayers saying with the current economic challenges, it would be improper to evict the flood victims.
In his rulings, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf adopted the motion following overwhelming voice votes in its favour and directed the Clerk of the House, Ahmed Chogudo, to communicate the Resolution of the Assembly to appropriate authorities. (Ends)