Delta state governor Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has appealed to camp commandants in the state not to use tribalism in the distribution of relief materials to avoid confusion, discontent, chaotic.
Dr Uduaghan who made the appeal at a meeting with political appointees and elected public officials to review the flood situation in the state, enjoined camp commandants to treat all displaced persons equally. Nepotism
He charged them not to give preferential treatment to their tribesmen but should be fair to all and discharge their duties with the fear of God.
The governor explained that if they treated their tribesmen differently they would only succeed in creating disharmony in the camps even as he pointed out that such situation would not augur well for peace and the image of the state.
His words ‘’Do not create confusion in the camps through ethnic politics.
Do not give preferential treatment to your ethnic people in the camp in the distribution of relief materials. Treat everybody equally because they are all displaced persons and deserve the relief materials’’.
Dr Uduaghan also charged the camp commandants not to allow any donor present or distribute cash in the camps.
He urged them to advise any donor whether corporate or individuals to use the cash to buy food items such as rice, garri, yam or other necessities, explaining that the distribution of cash often send out wrong signals.
Emphasizing further, Dr Uduaghan said: ‘’we do not want people to donate cash. The policy of my government on donation is not to accept cash. Any donor wishing to donate should come with food items, mattresses, buckets, blankets among others’’.
The governor particularly appealed to the people of Ughelli South to eschew ethnic rivalry and cohabit peacefully among their neighbors.
Dr Uduaghan urged them not to be at each other’s throat but be their brother’s keeper and manage relief materials prudently and “with your church mind”.
He commended Deltans especially the political class for their contributions and selfless service at the various camps.
The Governor assured that there would be a well-planned program for the resettlement of the flood victims.
Members of the recently inaugurated committee meant to manage the flood fund also attended the meeting.