By Samuel Olusegun Precious
The Orashi National Congress, ONC, has decried the devastating flood sweeping through Rivers State, disclosing that over 150 communities in Orashi region are currently underwater.The apex body for Abua/Odual, Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas said more than 500,000 persons have been displaced in Ahoada West, Abua/Odual and ONELGA in the 2025/2026 cycle.
In a press statement on Thursday, ONC said farmlands, schools, health centres and NDDC roads have been washed away after the overflow of Orashi and Niger Rivers. The group accused authorities of abandoning the epicenter of flooding in Rivers.
Rivers Shortchanged In Ecological Fund –
ONC observed that Rivers received less than 12% of the N16bn Federal Ecological Fund disbursed in 2025 despite ranking among the top three flood-impacted states according to NEMA.
“No permanent IDP camp, no dredging of Orashi River, no embankment project in Orashi since 2012. NEMA and NIHSA warnings are not matched with mitigation funding,” it said.
Six-Point Demand To FG
The Congress issued a six-point demand:President Tinubu:
Approve N20bn emergency supplementary flood intervention for Rivers, with 60% earmarked for the four Orashi LGAs.
Ecological Fund Office: Release outstanding funds and commence immediate dredging of Orashi River, embankments and desilting.
NEMA: Establish permanent IDP resettlement centres in Mbiama, Ekpeyeland, Omoku and Abua.
NDDC: Commit 30% of its 2026 budget to flood control and shoreline protection in Orashi.
Rivers State Government: Publish and account for all flood intervention funds received since 2022.
Reps Members: Hon. Victor Obuzor and Hon. Solomon Bob should move a motion of urgent public importance and sponsor the National Flood Resilience Trust Fund Bill.
“We produce over 40% of Rivers oil output but we are left to sleep in canoes during floods. We cannot be oil-rich and flood-poor. Palliatives must not be shared in Port Harcourt while Orashi drowns,” ONC declared.
