FLOOD DISASTER: CDHR Threatens To Drag FG To ICJ Over Govt's Negligence

"They (Govt) should answer questions as to where countless billions of our ecological funds has been kept and use same for this purpose." CDHR.

Rising from its 34th annual general conference, the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, CDHR has threatened to drag the Federal Government of Nigeria before the International Court of Justice over what it termed "artificial flood disaster" occasioned by government's negligence for which they have longed received warnings and red alert from neighbouring countries to build dams and dredge the coastal areas in Nigeria.

The threat is contained in a statement signed by Comrade Israel Joe, CDHR Secretary in Delta State.

The CDHR said the moves is to compel the federal government to compensate citizens affected by the flood especially in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

The CDHR, the artificial flood caused by the negligence of the federal government has killed about 612 people.

It said the government should assume responsibility by law to adequately compesate victims and rebuild the houses destroyed by the flood. 

"They should answer questions as to where countless billions of our ecological funds has been kept and use same for this purpose."

Comrade Israel Joe had at the annual general conference, AGC of the CDHR held at its National Secretariat in Lagos State moved a motion for the CDHR to drag the Federal Government before the International Court of Justice,ICJ to Compensate flood victims especially in the Niger Delta and compel the FG to build dams and dredge our costal waters.

He cited Article 3 of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights States that everyone has a right to life, liberty and security and Africa Charter on Human and People's Rights Article 4 further strengthens this position that Human beings are inviolable.

According to him, "Chapter 4, Section 33 of the constituion of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended established for the right to life, not just as a mere right but as a fundamental right. 

"Also, Section 14 (2b) states that the welfare and security of citizens SHALL be the primary purpose of government."

The motion was adopted as the CDHR resolved to drag the FG to the international court to compesate flood victims.

The 34anual general conference of the CDHR was held under the watch of renowned human right activist and lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana BOT Chairman, Dr. Osagie Obayuwana (National President), Barr. Malachi Ogwummadu (immediate past president) and Comr. Debo Adeniran (BOT Secretary).