The Kogi State Government has debunked media reports of flood victims from the State seeking succor in some camps outside the state.
In a statement issued in Lokoja, Abu Micheal, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Arc Yomi Awoniyi, said the IDP’s in the 83 camps across the state are having the best of time in terms of upkeep.
The statement added that the state had just completed a verification exercise yesterday aimed at ascertaining IDP’s numbers and requirements for their re- settlement as they prepare to leave their camps when plans would have been completed by Government.
The verification exercise,the statement added follows the recommendations from United Nations several groups rating Kogi State as one of the most organized state in terms of the handling and upkeep of those affected by the floods across the country.
While the Capt Idris Wada’s administration has continuously shown concern to the upkeep of IDP’s in the nine local Government Areas,as a state first hit by the flood and still consciously taking care of these victims and not even having a date for winding up of its camp,the government is already in the process of building houses for those affected,having already acquired some Federal Government houses to relocate displaced victims, a feat that has not been achieved by any other state.
No doubt about it, there are complain of fake persons parading themselves as displaced persons in most states affected just like those that may have flooded Delta State as alleged,some few of such persons were misinformed about government’s good intention in the state,met with the state government last week were they did apologized for their conduct.
The state government rather than share money as expected by some few disgruntled persons parading themselves as IDP’s,the concern by Government is to build,rebuild and resettle those affected by the floods across the State.
While the State Government has records of donations made towards the floods,it has continuously and constantly maintained that it is committed to the judicious and transparent utilization of the donations it has received,insisting that only those genuinely affected will be compensated through the rebuilding of it low cost houses,helping some of those affected to rebuild their houses and provide land and financial support to some others .
While States sharing boundaries with Kogi State were advised by the statement to verify the authenticity of those claiming to be displaced from the state, it is on record that the state has provided enough relief materials to all its camps and will continue with the process of making them comfortable until the people are fully resettled,the state Government stated that it will follow its well laid out programs in implementing its second phase of its post flood management program.
