The Civil Liberties Organization (CLO), Anambra State Branch, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency over the worsening erosion menace ravaging parts of Anambra State.
The organization made the appeal in a statement issued to journalists in Awka on Wednesday and signed by its state chairman, Evangelist Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme, and Secretary, Comrade Chidi Mbah.
CLO identified Idemili North, Idemili South and Aguata Local Government Areas as among the areas severely affected by the erosion crisis, describing the situation as “life-threatening, devastating and a ticking time bomb” requiring urgent federal intervention.
According to the organization, the expanding erosion sites are threatening residential buildings, major roads and entire communities, while also worsening the economic hardship faced by residents and road users.
CLO specifically identified portions of the Onitsha-Owerri Road, Ugamuma in Obosi, Ekwulobia, Oba, Ogidi and Umuchu, among other adjoining communities, as areas requiring immediate intervention.
The organization warned that failure to address the crisis could result in the destruction of neighbourhoods, displacement of residents and the disruption of major economic routes connecting communities within Anambra and the wider South-East.
“It is no longer business as usual. If left unchecked, these gully erosions will wipe out whole neighbourhoods and sever critical economic arteries in Anambra State and the South-East at large,” CLO stated.
The group therefore urged President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on erosion in the affected areas to facilitate the release of emergency funds and accelerate intervention efforts.
It also called on the President to direct the Ministers of Works and Environment to undertake an immediate assessment of the affected sites.
CLO further urged the Federal Ministry of Works to commence emergency palliative measures to contain the spread of the erosion pending the implementation of permanent remedial projects.
The organization also called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to visit affected communities and provide relief materials to residents whose homes and livelihoods have been threatened or displaced by the disaster.
“We appeal to Mr. President to act with the urgency this disaster deserves. The suffering, hardship and danger posed to our people can no longer be ignored,” the group said.
Meanwhile, CLO commended individuals who have undertaken community-level efforts to mitigate the impact of the erosion pending government intervention.
The organization specifically praised Engr. Eric Anyaneme, National Democratic Congress candidate for Idemili North and South Federal Constituency, for undertaking palliative control and containment works at an erosion site in Obosi, as well as tarring an access road linking the area.
CLO also commended Senator Victor Umeh for visiting some of the affected communities to sympathise with victims and for promising to draw the attention of the Federal Government and National Assembly to the situation.
The organization reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with government agencies, traditional institutions, town unions, civil society organizations and residents in efforts to protect lives, property and the environment.
It also urged residents to support erosion-control measures through proper waste disposal, tree planting and other environmentally responsible practices.
CLO stressed that the Anambra erosion crisis should be treated with the same urgency accorded other national emergencies, warning that delayed intervention could lead to greater destruction and displacement.
