Residents of Efut Efio Ene Community in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State have warned that they may refuse to participate in the 2027 general elections if the long standing erosion and flooding crisis affecting the area remains unresolved.
The warning came during a visit to the affected locations by journalists, where traditional rulers, youth representatives, women leaders and other stakeholders expressed deep frustration over what they described as years of neglect despite repeated appeals for government intervention.
The community had earlier staged a protest over the worsening situation, urging authorities to take immediate action as the rainy season intensifies.
Speaking on behalf of the community, the Traditional Clan Head of the Efut Efio Ene Clan Council, His Royal Highness Muri Ekong Umo Ekpo II, said residents have lived with the devastating effects of flooding for decades. According to him, drainage channels designed to direct stormwater into the river have been left unattended, resulting in severe flooding across the community.
He explained that a significant volume of water from different parts of Calabar flows into the area, but the blocked drainage system has prevented the water from reaching its intended outlet. As a result, homes and surrounding areas are regularly submerged.
The monarch further alleged that the floodwaters have, on several occasions, carried corpses into the community while also contributing to the loss of lives and destruction of property over the years. He appealed to the government to urgently clear the drainage channels and restore proper water flow into the river to prevent further tragedies.
The community’s Youth Leader, Princewill Lawrence, also voiced disappointment over what he described as the government’s failure to provide a lasting solution to the environmental challenge. He noted that the blocked drainage channels have continued to destroy houses, livelihoods and valuable possessions, adding that residents can no longer cope with the hardship caused by the persistent flooding.
Lawrence revealed that the community has three polling units, namely 057, 058 and 059, stressing that residents have consistently supported successive administrations during elections. He said the people now expect the same level of commitment from those in leadership.
Also speaking, the Women Leader of the community, Obongawan Nnanke Bassey, narrated the devastating impact the flooding has had on families in the area. She said homes, farms, livestock and personal belongings have been washed away by the floodwaters.
Bassey recalled that residents had previously taken their grievances to the Cross River State House of Assembly after a tragic flood incident reportedly claimed the lives of both children and adults within the community. According to her, lawmakers listened to their complaints and conveyed the matter to the executive arm of government, with assurances of emergency intervention through relevant agencies. However, she said those promises were never fully carried out.
She also raised concerns about the health implications of the situation, noting that many residents now rely on sachet water because available water sources have become contaminated. In addition, stagnant water has led to an increase in mosquitoes and other health related challenges within the community.
Another leader in the area, Lawrence, who serves as secretary of the council and identified himself as a staff member of the University of Cross River State, criticised successive governments for failing to address the environmental crisis despite its far reaching consequences.
He maintained that the current administration must act swiftly to prevent additional loss of lives and destruction of property. According to him, residents fulfilled their civic responsibility by voting leaders into office and expect those leaders to respond to their needs. He warned that continued neglect could compel the community to withhold its support during future elections.
Community leaders unanimously declared that unless immediate desilting of the blocked drainage channels and comprehensive erosion control measures are undertaken, residents may boycott the 2027 elections.
They called on Governor Bassey Otu and relevant government agencies to urgently commence drainage evacuation and erosion control projects in the area to prevent further disasters and rebuild the confidence of affected residents.
Responding to the concerns, the Director General of the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, Antigha Gill, said efforts are already being made to tackle the situation.
Gill acknowledged receiving several letters from the community requesting intervention. He stated that the agency had communicated the matter to the state government, which subsequently directed the Ministry of Environment to take the necessary action.
