By Abdullahi Abdulrahman
National News – A non-governmental organization, the Youth and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC), has accused the Federal Government of Nigeria of deliberately neglecting erosion-affected communities in Bayelsa State, particularly Obogoro and Odi, despite the growing environmental crisis caused by erosion.
The Coordinator and Officer in Charge of YEAC in Bayelsa State, Mr. Philip Godfrey, made this known during an exclusive interview with National News.
He criticized the government’s response to the plight of affected communities; saying that the Federal Government has failed to take meaningful action.
According to Godfrey, the government’s response suggests a lack of concern for communities battling severe environmental degradation.
He further claimed that the government appears to prioritize communities it considers strategically or economically beneficial, while leaving others to suffer the devastating effects of erosion without intervention.
The YEAC Coordinator warned that continued neglect could have serious consequences, stressing that unchecked coastal erosion poses an existential threat to the survival of affected communities.
Referring to Ayakoro community, Godfrey explained that residents were forced to relocate from their original settlement across the river due to the destructive impact of flooding and coastal erosion.
Mr. Godfrey highlighted that there is nothing preventing the government from carrying out shoreline protection projects to ensure the safety of people living in affected areas.
“The government owes you the obligation to guarantee your safety, protect your property, your land, and ensure your community is secured,” he said.
The YEAC Bayelsa Coordinator noted that it would not take much effort for the government to address these issues.
He added that similar interventions have been successfully implemented in other communities facing related challenges, particularly in areas considered valuable due to their resources or proximity to the Federal Capital Territory.
He expressed concern and sympathy for communities that have been severely affected but remain neglected.
Mr. Godfrey also spoke on behalf of NGOs within the agency, stating that they share in the pain and struggles of the affected residents.
“It’s just like when somebody is being strangled to death and cannot breathe. That is exactly what flooding and coastal erosion are doing to these communities,” he said.
He stated that members of the affected communities have made several appeals through various media platforms, calling for their voices to be heard.
The organization has also made efforts to reach out to the appropriate authorities responsible for addressing such environmental challenges.
“I want to use this opportunity to call on the NDDC MD, being a son of the soil, to prioritize the issue of coastal erosion in communities like Obogoro, Odi, and others,” he added.
