By Mumini Abdulkareem
The Imam of Agaka Central Mosque, Asa Dam, Ilorin, Ustaz Yusuf Murtala Pakata (Olopoewa) has called on the Kwara State Government to swiftly respond to plight of victims of rainstorm in the state.
According to him, any succour has not yet reached some of the victims days after the catastrophe adding that the rains have not subsided which have continued to damage some of the property earlier salvaged from the first incident.
He said this on Friday while delivering the Jumaat sermon (Khutba) shortly before the traditional two units congregational prayers adding that prediction from meteorologist and scientists are worrisome in the present circumstance.
“Our appeal to the Governor is to swiftly and hastily reached out to the affected victims some of whom are yet to receive any relief material or help days after the rainstorm. Some of them are yet to roof their houses and yet the rain is still falling causing further destruction of the already wrecked facility.
“According to prediction from scientists, another powerful rainstorm is still coming with even stronger wind and although they noted it may not be felt in Nigeria, they however noted the possibility that it may not be total exemption for Nigeria. And when that happens again which is in few days time according to them, then it will be worse for Kwara and Ilorin in particular which is already feeling devastation of the first incident”, he added.
On the recent hike in electricity tariff and removal of fuel subsidy which has shut up prices of foodstuffs and household items astronomically, the cleric said the central government has been insensitive to the plight of the masses who voted for them.
“When you go to places like Saudi Arabia which is a country that is rich in petroleum just like Nigeria, the citizens are not going through this hardship we are going through. They hardly put off their vehicle and cases of armed robbery and thieves are minimal. How can a government allow the increase of basic amenities and commodities fuel and electricity the same time. The situation has thrown the masses overboard and I don’t think this can happen in anywhere else. Nigeria is hugely and richly blessed by Almighty Allah but it is unfortunate that we found ourselves in this perilous and worrying situation.
