(A flooded area in the community. Photo by Punch News)
Residents of Efut Efio Ene Community in the Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State have threatened to withhold their votes in the 2027 elections over the worsening erosion and flooding menace ravaging the area.
The residents stated this during an inspection of the devastated area and blocked drainage channel in the community by journalists, as traditional rulers, youth leaders, women representatives and other stakeholders lamented years of neglect despite repeated appeals for government intervention.
It was recalled that the residents had protested against the situation the previous week, calling for urgent intervention as the rainy season sets in.
Speaking on behalf of the community during the fresh inspection, the Traditional Clan Head of Efut Efio Ene Clan Council, His Royal Highness Muri Ekong Umo Ekpo II, said residents have endured decades of flooding caused by blocked drainage channels that prevent stormwater from flowing directly into the river.
He said, “Almost all the water from different parts of Calabar is channelled into this community, but government has failed to maintain the drainage that should convey it into the river.
The channels are blocked and the water now floods our homes and surroundings.”
He alleged that floodwaters have repeatedly washed corpses into the community and have been responsible for several deaths and destruction of property over the years.
“We are appealing to the government to urgently clear the drainage channels and channel the water directly into the river before more lives are lost,” he added.
The Youth Leader of the community, Princewill Lawrence, also expressed frustration over the government’s failure to provide a lasting solution to the problem.
“These drainage channels have remained blocked for years, causing destruction of houses, properties and livelihoods. We need urgent government intervention.
The situation has become unbearable,” he lamented.
Lawrence disclosed that the community has three polling units 057, 058 and 059 adding that residents have consistently supported successive governments at the polls.
“We have supported government over the years; now, we expect government to support us too,” he said.
Also speaking, the Women Leader of the community, Obongawan Nnanke Bassey, recounted the devastating impact of the flooding on residents, saying homes, farms, livestock and personal belongings have been swept away by the raging waters.
She further revealed that residents had previously protested at the Cross River State House of Assembly following a deadly flood incident that reportedly claimed the lives of children and adults in the community.
According to her, lawmakers received their complaints and relayed their concerns to the executive arm of government, with promises of emergency intervention through relevant agencies made but never fully implemented.
“Also, our water is no longer safe. Most residents depend on table water because the available water has been polluted. We are also battling mosquitoes and other health challenges caused by stagnant water,” she said.
Another community leader and secretary of the council, who identified himself as a staff member of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), also named Lawrence, accused successive governments of failing to adequately tackle the environmental crisis despite its devastating effects.
He insisted that the current government must urgently intervene to prevent further loss of lives and property.
“We voted this government into power and we expect it to respond to our needs. If our concerns continue to be ignored, we will have no option but to withhold our votes,” he said.
The community leaders unanimously declared that unless urgent desilting of the blocked drainage channels and comprehensive erosion control measures are carried out, residents may boycott the 2027 elections.
They called on Governor Bassey Otu and relevant government agencies to immediately undertake drainage evacuation and erosion control works in the area to avert further disasters and restore confidence among residents.
Reacting, the Director-General of the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, Antigha Gill, said government agencies are making efforts to address the situation.
Gill acknowledged that the community had served the agency with various letters appealing for intervention.
“We have written to the state government on this matter and they have mandated the Ministry of Environment to take action,” he said.
