LP Senatorial Candidate Urges FG to Declare Emergency Over Anambra Central Erosion Crisis
By Chizoba Njaka
The Labour Party Senatorial Candidate for Anambra Central, Ven. Tochukwu Sagacious Ikezue, has expressed deep concern over the worsening erosion crisis across the senatorial district, describing it as an environmental, humanitarian and economic emergency requiring immediate and coordinated intervention.
Speaking with journalists on Wednesday, July 8, Ven. Ikezue said the recent reports of severe erosion in Enugwu-Agidi and Ogidi, as well as the deep gully erosion threatening Ugamuma Village in Obosi, are only a reflection of a much wider environmental disaster affecting communities across the district.
He noted that several communities in Njikoka, Idemili North, Idemili South, Anaocha, Dunukofia, Awka North and Awka South Local Government Areas are currently battling rapidly expanding gullies that continue to destroy roads, residential buildings, schools, farmlands and other critical public infrastructure.
According to him, thousands of residents now live under constant threat as the advancing erosion exposes lives and property to grave danger. He warned that continued inaction could lead to the displacement of entire communities from their ancestral homes, with far-reaching humanitarian, social and economic consequences.
Ven. Ikezue called on the Federal Government to immediately declare a state of emergency on erosion sites across Anambra Central. He also urged the release of emergency intervention funds and the deployment of relevant federal agencies, including the Ecological Project Office and the Federal Ministry of Environment, alongside other technical institutions, to implement comprehensive erosion control and remediation measures.
While acknowledging the efforts of the Anambra State Government in addressing some of the affected sites, he maintained that the magnitude of the crisis has surpassed the state's financial and technical capacity. He stressed that the situation should be treated as a national environmental disaster requiring stronger federal support and close collaboration with the state government.
The Labour Party candidate further appealed to members of the National Assembly representing Anambra State, elected public office holders, development partners and corporate organisations to work collectively towards finding lasting solutions to the erosion menace. He cautioned against politicising the issue, emphasizing that safeguarding lives and protecting communities should remain the overriding priority.
Reiterating his dedication to the welfare of the people of Anambra Central, Ven. Ikezue said responsible leadership demands standing up for communities in crisis and advancing practical measures to address their challenges. He added that the people deserve urgent and decisive intervention, not sympathy without action.
He further warned that every delay in addressing the crisis allows erosion sites to expand, destroys additional infrastructure, increases the risk to human lives and raises the eventual cost of remediation.
He urged all relevant authorities to act without further delay to prevent more devastating losses and protect future generations.