Buhari directs agencies to assist flood disaster victims

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has directed all Federal government agencies “to use their authority and resources to assist the victims affected by the natural disaster.”

This is as he expressed solidarity with Nigerians in several states affected by menacing floods.

According to a statement issued by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media and Publicity), on Tuesday in Abuja, the new presidential directive was conveyed through the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Engr. Mustapha Maihaja.

It said that by the delegation of his authority to declare a National Disaster in response to the increasing threats of destruction by floods, the NEMA DG is mandated to coordinate a national response to emergency situations and in doing so, empowered to direct any or all agencies of government to use their authority and resources to offer assistance to victims affected by the floods.

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The statement added: “In a warning to all the agencies of the Federal government, the President requested that any such agency that failed to assist should be reported to him.”

It noted that the President expressed his sympathies to all families who lost property and their loved ones arising from the floods.

Noting that the loss of lives cannot be compensated, President Buhari assured Nigerians that his administration will do all it can to minimize the suffering and misery of citizens affected by the disaster.