Peter Obi Urges Government Action on Disaster Preparedness

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the ADC, called on the Federal Government and state governments to prioritize disaster prevention, emergency preparedness, and the protection of vulnerable Nigerians. In a statement issued on Tuesday to mark the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, Obi noted that millions of Nigerians are facing challenges such as flooding, insecurity, displacement, hunger, and poverty, exacerbated by governance failures.

He criticized inadequate planning, weak institutions, and poor emergency preparedness, which have led to avoidable suffering. Obi emphasized that while disasters cannot always be prevented, their impacts can be mitigated through accountable leadership, effective early warning systems, responsible land-use planning, and durable infrastructure.

He urged governments to adopt a people-centered approach to disaster risk reduction, invest in prevention, and ensure timely relief for affected communities. Obi stated that the success of governance should be measured by the safety and quality of life of citizens, rather than economic indicators, and stressed that Nigeria must not accept avoidable suffering as normal.