The Ebonyi government on Sunday cautioned opposition groups against politicising natural disasters or exploiting victims’ plight for partisan purposes.

The information commissioner, Ikeuwa Omebe, issued the warning in response to remarks by opposition politicians about the recent flood at Akaeze. Akaeze is in Ivo council area.

Mr Omebe said the government had taken proactive measures to ameliorate victims’ plight by directing the State Emergency Management Agency. He said SEMA was coordinating appropriate emergency response measures to address the disaster’s impact on affected communities.

“Political actors have constitutional rights to canvass for public support ahead of the 2027 general elections. But public-based discourse should remain issue-based, responsible and devoid of inflammatory rhetoric capable of aggravating anxiety,” he said.

Mr Omebe urged political parties, candidates, community leaders, and other stakeholders to show restraint during discussions about the disaster. He said they should place citizens’ safety, dignity, and welfare above partisan considerations.

The commissioner reiterated the government’s concern and sympathy for Akaeze flood victims and other communities affected by recent flooding.

“The government acknowledges the resultant displacement of households and destruction of farmlands, crops, properties and other means of livelihood. These have caused attendant hardship and disruption across affected communities,” he said.

Mr Omebe said the government had intensified coordinated emergency-response measures, including relief and rehabilitation efforts.

He added that the state was engaging federal emergency-management institutions, including the National Emergency Management Agency. According to him, the engagement aims to secure complementary intervention and support for affected communities.

Mr Omebe said the welfare and security of residents remained central to Governor Francis Nwifuru’s ‘People’s Charter of Needs’ administration. He urged affected residents to remain calm and cooperate with emergency officials conducting assessments and coordinating relief operations.

“Residents are advised against returning prematurely to flood-prone areas or occupying structurally compromised buildings until declared safe by appropriate authorities,” he said.

Mr Omebe urged residents to take weather and flood alerts issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and other competent authorities seriously. He advised residents of flood-prone communities to monitor official forecasts and early-warning information while complying with evacuation advisories.

“They should also avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges and waterways, while promptly reporting emerging threats to relevant emergency-response agencies,” he said.

(NAN)