The *Obaego Campaign Organisation* has expressed profound shock and deep sorrow over the recurring, devastating flood disasters that have once again ravaged the Onuimo Market (commonly known as Rescue Market or Malaysia Market) located in Umungwa, Obowo Local Government Area of Imo State.
Series of torrential downpours recently caused the contiguous Onuimo River to overflow its banks, turning a thriving commercial hub into a disaster zone. The overwhelming surge forced traders and residents to use canoes to evacuate trapped victims. Goods, properties, and individuals’ life savings worth millions of naira were completely washed away. The unfortunate incident has plunged families and business owners into severe socii- economic hardship.
LEADERSHIP ON THE GROUND:
Solidarity and Generosity
Demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the people of Okigwe Zone, the APP Senatorial Candidate for Imo North, *DEACON CHUKA SOLOMON OBAEGO*, personally led a delegation to the market to assess the extent of the damage.
Distressed by the level of destruction and the helpless state of the traders, Deacon Obaego expressed his heartfelt sympathy and made a cash donation of hundreds of thousands of naira to the market leadership to provide immediate relief. He assured the traders that his visit was not merely a gesture of solidarity, but a pledge of actionable commitment. He promised to attract permanent government attention and robust legislative interventions to resolve the flooding crisis if elected.
KEY DEMANDS AND POSITION OF THE OBAEGO CAMPAIGN ORGANISATION
*HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES:*
The organisation commiserates with the leadership and hardworking traders who lost their investments and goods, noting that its thoughts and prayers remain with every affected household in Obowo LGA.
CALL FOR IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY RELIEF:
The campaign urgently calls on the Imo State Government, through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and humanitarian bodies, to immediately mobilize emergency palliatives and medical support for displaced traders.
LONG-TERM ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS:
Stressing that recurring vulnerabilities demand permanent fixes, the organisation is pushing for a comprehensive environmental audit of drainage systems, the clearing of blocked waterways, and sustainable flood-mitigation infrastructure, such as shoreline protection.
*Prioritizing Safety:* Traders and residents around the perimeter are strongly implored to prioritize safety, avoid fast-moving floodwaters, and move temporarily to higher ground.
The economic survival of the people of Okigwe Zone remains paramount. The Obaego Campaign Organisation stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the good people of Obowo, advocating for proactive governance that protects both human lives and economic investments across Imo State.
*Signed:*
*High Chief Marcel Nwokorie*
*(For the Obaego Media Campaign Organisation)*
*Media and Communications Directorate*
