FLOODING IN DELTA AND RIVERS STATES: WORKING PEOPLE UNITED COMMISERATES WITH AFFECTED FAMILIES, CALLS FOR COLLECTIVE ACTION AND STRONGER RELIEF EFFORTS

Abuja, October 1, 2026

Working People United (WoPU) expresses its deep sympathy and solidarity with families, workers, businesses, and communities currently affected by the devastating flooding in parts of Delta and Rivers States.

The images and reports emerging from affected communities are deeply concerning. Homes have been submerged, livelihoods disrupted, businesses affected, and families forced to seek safety as floodwaters continue to threaten communities.

Our hearts are with every Nigerian who has lost property, livelihood, or a loved one to this unfortunate situation. We particularly sympathise with families who have been displaced from their homes and workers whose means of livelihood have been interrupted by the flooding.

As an organisation committed to the welfare and protection of working people, we recognise that when disaster strikes our communities, the consequences are felt most severely by ordinary families who depend on their daily income to survive.

However, while we sympathise with those affected, this moment also calls for collective responsibility.

Flooding is influenced by several factors, including heavy rainfall, rising water levels and environmental conditions. But we must also acknowledge the role that human actions can play in worsening the situation.

We therefore urge Nigerians to take environmental sanitation seriously. Our drainage channels are not waste bins. Our waterways are not dumping grounds.

Every plastic bottle, sachet, nylon, household waste or refuse thrown into a drainage channel has the potential to obstruct the free flow of water. When drains are blocked, rainwater has nowhere to go, and the consequences can be devastating.

We must therefore change our attitude towards waste disposal. Nigerians must learn to dispose of waste properly, keep drainage channels clear and stop dumping refuse into gutters, canals and waterways.

This is not merely the responsibility of government. It is a responsibility we all share.

At the same time, Working People United recognises the responsibility of government to protect lives, respond to emergencies and provide support to citizens affected by natural disasters.

We commend the ongoing intervention and relief efforts being undertaken by relevant government authorities and urge that such interventions be strengthened and extended to every seriously affected community.

We call on the Federal Government, Delta State Government, Rivers State Government, emergency management agencies, local government authorities and other relevant institutions to continue to work together in providing emergency shelter, food, medical assistance and other essential relief materials to affected families.

We equally encourage authorities to intensify the clearing and desilting of blocked drainage channels, improve flood monitoring and early-warning systems, and develop sustainable measures that will reduce the vulnerability of communities to recurring floods.

For us at Working People United, supporting government does not mean remaining silent when our people are hurting. It means standing with government and the people, offering constructive support, encouraging responsible citizenship and calling for timely action where assistance is needed.

This is a moment for Nigerians to stand together. Government must continue to do its part. Citizens must also do theirs. Communities must support one another.

And together, we must build a culture where protecting our environment becomes a shared national responsibility.

Working People United therefore calls on Nigerians across Delta, Rivers and other flood-prone states to remain vigilant, heed safety advisories, protect vulnerable members of their communities, and cooperate with emergency responders.

We pray for the safety and recovery of every family affected by the floods, and we urge that no affected community be left behind in the ongoing response.

Signed:

Comrade Moses Oladapo

General Secretary

Working People United (WoPU)!

Greater Nigeria!