The Anambra North Senatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Hon. Mrs Uzoamaka Peace Obimuonso has called on Anambra State governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo to shelve his tax reforms in the zone.
Obimuonso who hails from the riverine area of the state during an interview with journalists in Awka said: I am appealing to HE Charles Soludo to suspend tax collection especially in Anambra North Considering the fact a lot of families are traumatized as a result of this recent flood disaster.
“Almost all the families in Anambra North are victims of the flood. Considering lives that were lost due to the flood, let us not lose more live to depression and hypertension.
“Our Governor, HE Charles Soludo is a Governor with a listening ear, I believe that he will listen and do the needful.”
She stated that most people who died as a result of the flood was because they didn’t want to leave their farms.The level of death registered in the recent flood in the area was unprecedented.
“It was not easy on our people, even when some of them saw the ferocious nature of the flood, the temptation for them not to abandon the source of their income was high.
“Some of our people who could not resist the temptation to abandon their farm produce, got drown by the flood. That was the story of some people from Nzam conveying their rice produce to market unfortunately they lost their lives.
“It was the same story at Ogbaru, where some people had to beg a boat man to ferry them to market, but they still could not make it because they lost their lives as a result of overload of goods and persons. Some persons were literally swept away from their houses by the menacing flood. All most all the houses in Anambra North got submerged by the flood. A lot of farm produce were lost to the flood.
“All these death could have been averted if the people were sure of the source of their next meal. Most times, the farmers borrow money from local money lender, which if they fail to pay back when due, attracts heavy consequences.
“With all these calamities that has befallen us in these past weeks, and Anambra State is yet to feel the presence of NEMA and Federal Ministry of Humanitarian, Social Development and Emergency Services.”
She called for more attention from relevant authorities, both in provision of food item, household items and drugs.
