The House of Representatives has rejected a proposal to remove N300bn from the federation account to assist the humanitarian crisis in Borno following the flood disaster in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
Recall that heavy flooding that followed the collapse of the Alau Dam led to the death of over 40 persons even as the Palace of the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar El-Kanemi, and the Maiduguri Correctional Centre, among other public institutions were severely damaged.
Moving a motion of urgent public importance on the floor of the House during plenary sitting on Wednesday, the member representing Jaba/Zangon/Kataf Federal Constituency, Amos Magaji lamented the impact of the flooding, noting that houses, markets and many health facilities were affected.
Speaking on the impact the flood left on the Maiduguri University Teaching Hospital, Magaji noted that the tertiary health institution is no longer accessible for use by the public.
He said, “The renowned Cancer Centre in the facility, which is lauded as one of the largest in the country, was submerged in the flood, thereby damaging all high-end equipment in the centre, while wards at the lower level of the facilities were also severely flooded, including all medical records, administrative records, files, amongst many other things destroyed.
“That electricity power supply in the facility has devastatingly collapsed, largely due to precautions taken to avoid electrocution, as transformers and other power sources in the facility were also submerged in the flood.”
He argued that if no urgent intervention is made to address the devastation of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, “The people of Borno State are at great risk of succumbing to any disease outbreak resulting from the flooding.”
Contributing to the motion, the member representing Yamaltu Deba Federal Constituency, Gombe State, Inuwa Garba proposed an amendment to urge the Federal Government to give victims of the flood a special grant of N300bn to cushion the effect of the humanitarian disaster.
“While individuals can continue to come up with their donations, the Federal Government should give the victims of the Maiduguri flood a special grant of about N300bn,” Inuwa said.
When the amendment was put into voice vote by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas who presided over the plenary; lawmakers voted against it and the House thereafter urged the Federal Government to provide support for the victims without as much as it could.
On his part, the lawmaker representing Kanke/Pankshin/Kanam Federal Constituency, Plateau State, Yusuf Gagdi, described the tragedy as worrisome, saying, “People have been displaced and businesses lost. The government and well-meaning individuals have done a lot but no matter the level of contribution, the gap left by this disaster cannot be fully addressed.”
Similarly, a Borno lawmaker, Ahmed Satomi (Jere Federal Constituency) thanked contributors to the efforts to alleviate the pains of the victims, saying, “We thanked those who have intervened. We have received a lot of support but the level of damage done is such that we need to tackle it headlong. We need a serious intervention.”
Following the adoption of the motion, the House urged the Federal Government to address the needs of the Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, renovate the Shehu of Borno Palace, the Maiduguri Correctional Centre and other health facilities affected by the flood.
It further mandated its Committees on Health Institutions, Power, Renewable Energy, Insurance and Actuaries Matters, and Legislative Compliance to ensure strict compliance.
Meanwhile, the founder of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has donated N2bn to aid victims and support rebuilding efforts in Borno State following the flood.
Rabiu’s donation, made through his company, BUA Group, comprises N1bn in cash and N1bn worth of essential food supplies.
The contributions aim to alleviate the suffering of the displaced persons and communities affected by the flooding.
According to a statement obtained Tuesday, the announcement was made during a visit by Rabiu’s delegation to Maiduguri, where the food items and cash donations were delivered.
Speaking on the donation, Rabiu, who is also the Chairman of BUA Group and founder of ASR Africa, reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Nigerians in times of crisis.
“The recent flooding in Maiduguri has caused untold hardship for thousands of families. I believe it is my responsibility and that of my organisation, which is deeply rooted in the fabric of Nigerian society, to act swiftly and meaningfully in providing relief to those affected. This N2bn donation to the victims of the recent flooding in Borno is one way of supporting the most vulnerable in times of crisis,” he said.
The N1bn worth of food supplies includes essential commodities such as flour, pasta, sugar, and rice, which will be distributed to the hardest-hit areas to provide immediate relief.
The N1 billion cash donation was handed over to the Borno State Government through the governor to ensure the aid reaches those in need as quickly as possible.“Our thoughts are with the families and individuals who have been affected by this disaster,” Rabiu added.
“As we continue to extend our support, we urge other corporate organisations and well-meaning individuals to join us in this effort to restore hope and rebuild lives.”