The National Association of Seadogs has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to declare a State of Emergency on the country’s flooding.

The body, also known as Pyrates Confraternity, made the demand in a statement by its Capon, Abiola Owoaje.

It the statement, titled: “FG must mitigate Nigeria’s perennial,” Owoaje said it was saddening the government allowed things to degenerate to this extent.

He added “It has also become imperative for the Federal Government to see to the regular dredging of the River Niger and Benue using the sand for sandbanks and beaches across the length to improve River flow. In addition, there is a need to initiate a robust integrated River basin management for effective flood risk reduction.

“Climate Change is a reality and the governments in Nigeria must wake up to this reality. The various state governments responsible for land allocation must henceforth desist from the dangerous policy of allocating lands for building in floodplains and flood-prone areas. Many of the states that suffered flooding also have their topography distorted from indiscriminate building on natural canals and unchecked dumping of refuse into water channels and drainage systems

“We encourage citizens to become more active and vocal in governance issues by demanding accountability from their various state governments over the use of ecological funds.”