Lawyer warns Tinubu of Abuja flooding threat to capital city

Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has directly appealed to President Bola Tinubu to address the escalating flooding crisis in Abuja, warning that the capital city's integrity is at stake. In an open letter, Adeyanju highlighted how recent floods, which have submerged homes and blocked roads, are no longer isolated incidents but a severe threat to the city's master plan.

“

Today, that master plan is under serious threat as recent flooding witnessed across the city can no longer be treated as an isolated consequence of heavy rainfall. Areas that historically did not experience significant flooding are now increasingly vulnerable with homes submerged and roads rendered impassable.

Adeyanju pointed to the FCT Emergency Management Department's identification of numerous flood-prone communities, including Lokogoma, Gwarinpa, and Kubwa. He stressed that Abuja, envisioned as a modern capital, is suffering from the conversion of its designated green areas, parks, and drainage corridors into development zones. These spaces were originally designed for crucial environmental functions, including flood control.

“

The FCT Emergency Management Department has itself identified several communities as flood-prone areas, including Lokogoma/EFAB/iPent Estates, Galadimawa, Dogon-Gada, Lugbe, Maitama, Wuse, Garki, CBD, Asokoro, Guzape, Gwarinpa, Nyanya, Kubwa, Wari, Gwagwalada, Damagaza, Mabushi, Anthony Ikem Street, Blue Cabana axis, Kuje, Kwali, Abaji, Yangoji, and several other communities. This is an emergency!

The lawyer's urgent appeal emphasizes that Abuja hosts critical national institutions, foreign embassies, and millions of citizens. He cautioned that neglecting the city's environmental and infrastructural condition could lead to widespread flooding, potentially even affecting areas near the presidential residence, Aso Rock.

“

Abuja is not supposed to be a city where a relatively ordinary rainfall can suddenly turn major residential and commercial districts into flood zones. Areas originally preserved under the Abuja Master Plan as green areas, gardens, parks, drainage corridors and waterways have been converted or allocated for residential and other developments.

Adeyanju implored President Tinubu to initiate a comprehensive review of land allocations and developments within the FCT's green spaces, drainage corridors, and waterways. He stressed that swift intervention is necessary to safeguard the capital from further environmental degradation and the persistent threat of flooding.

“

Abuja was conceived and planned as a modern capital city, with designated green areas, parks, gardens, recreational spaces, drainage corridors, canals and waterways as an integral part of its Master Plan. These spaces were not created merely for aesthetic purposes but to serve critical environmental functions, including flood control and the preservation of the ecological balance.