Governor Seriake Dickson

Segun James 
Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson, Monday ordered the evacuation of President Goodluck Jonathan’s hometown, Otuoke, following the destruction of the community by flood.
The governor said that the president woke up Sunday to find that the flood had taken over the ground floor of his home.

But the situation yesterday took a worrisome dimension as the flood increased in intensity in the community, forcing the authorities to evacuate Otuoke.

Assessing the level of damage during his visit to the affected areas, the governor, through his deputy, Rear Admiral Gborubiogha John Jonah (rtd), said that the evacuation of the affected residents to one of the relief camps located in the community had become necessary.

The evacuation, according to him, became imperative because of the hardship that the residents have been subjected to, and was intended to avert the outbreak of an epidemic, adding that the government was taking proactive measures to safeguard the citizens.

Commiserating with the victims, the governor assured them that no stone would be left unturned at ensuring that they recover their lives, especially those that have lost their means of livelihood to flood.

He said the government has ordered the importation of seedlings in readiness for the next planting season, in order to guard against shortage of food.

Jonathan during his visit to Bayelsa last weekend, assured the people, especially the victims, of government’s support.

Investigations revealed that about 85 percent of Bayelsa State has been submerged by the rampaging flood.