Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that with the level of flood disaster that has befallen Bayelsa State in 2022, almost everybody in the state is an Internally Displaced Person (IDP).
Speaking during the 11th Annual State Thanksgiving in Yenagoa on Wednesday, Jonathan said he had already discussed the predicaments of the people of the state with President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osibanjo, hoping help would come in the flood recovery process.
Daily Trust reports that Jonathan's private home at Otuoke, Ogbia local government area of the state was also submerged by the ravaging flood.
The ex-Nigeria leader appreciated former Governor Seriake Dickson for building the Ecumenical Centre and instituting the annual thanksgiving, saying as a people, Bayelsa can achieve nothing without God.
He also lauded Governor Diri for continuing the thanksgiving, saying his administration made God a priority and would always receive divine blessings.
Jonathan called on the Federal Government to assist the state in the recovery process, saying that he was optimistic that given the efforts he had made alongside other leaders, help would come from the centre.
He said, "I do not want to overemphasize the disaster that has befallen us. Everybody is an IDP (internally displaced person) in Bayelsa State. I have discussed this with the President and Vice President and I believe help will come.
"We empathize with all of you. Coming out today when we are still affected by the flood is significant. Let me commend Senator Dickson for showing commitment to the service of God. He built this edifice and initiated this thanksgiving service. You place God first and God will continue to bless you and bless the state.
"Let me also thank Governor Diri for continuing with the programme. I thank the clergymen for their continuous work, as well as Pastor Paul Eneche for his service to God and nation."
