ENUGU–Christian clerics, under the aegis of Christian Association of Clergies in Nigeria, have called on government at all levels to marshal out plans to tackle incessant flooding permanently in the country.
This is contained in a statement issued by the group’s National President, Archbishop Yiman Orkwar and National Coordinator, His Lordship, Justice Alpha Ikpeama, recently in Enugu.
It would be recalled that the Christian Association of Clergies of Nigeria is an association of all clergies agitating and championing the interest and social welfare of clergies, members of laity and citizenry.
The statement decried with great disdain the pathetic, pitiable, painful and excruciating sufferings of displaced persons due to devastating flood because of torrential downpour currently in its climax.
According to the statement, we wish to remind Nigerians that religion that is pure and undefiled is to help widows, downtrodden, orphans and those in need.
It noted that victims of the flood disaster were in dire need of our prayers, help, comfort, encouragement and succours.
The statement said: “It is very unfortunate and regrettable that most of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps lacked security, electricity, water, foams, pillows, toilets, bathrooms, soaps, tissues, foods, cloths and other basic necessities of life.
“It is no longer news that they lost their houses, monies, properties, farmlands, crops, source of livelihood and all they have acquired in life.
“It is of great relevance for us to share in the agony, pains, sufferings, predicaments and problems of the displaced persons.
“Governments, political class, corporate organisations and affluent individuals should spare no efforts to contribute immensely toward ameliorating pathetic plights of the victims and their families.”
The statement also said that the group was soliciting and advocating for collective and collaborative relentless efforts to bring succour, hope, joy and comfort to the displaced persons, their families and loved ones.
It noted that to put smiles on faces of the displaced persons, church leaders should raise funds in their churches to aid for upkeeps of victims, adding: “There were always unprecedented blessings in giving and sharing.”
The statement added: “In line with our patriotic, selfless and humanitarian disposition, we have established a Special Trust Fund for rehabilitating displaced persons in various IDP camps in the country.
“We equally appeal to affluent Nigerians to donate generously to the Fund. It will help in no small measure in ameliorating the excruciating sufferings of flood victims.
“May God accept the souls of more than 500 persons that lost their lives, when their houses and farmlands were submerged by flood and for God to give grace to the bereaved to bear the irreparable and irreplaceable loss.”
