Residents of Maiduguri, who were recently hit by flood from the collapse of the Alau Dam, were seen cheering and waving at passing politicians, despite being accused of negligence that led to their suffering.
Some observers accused Borno authorities of negligence despite having knowledge of the impending flood in the state capital.
Others contended that corruption may have caused the state government to maintain the Dam effectively to avoid its collapse which caused devastation in the Boko Haram violence ravaged state.
Some X formerly called Twitter users have reacted that it was pitiful that victims of flood that was partly blamed on the authorities turned to admirers of their adversaries in the midst of the disaster.
A video shared on X by GIDI, showed the residents – immersed in floodwaters and grappling with loss – still greeted the officials with smiles and applause.
It shows that as the politicians drove through the devastated streets the affected residents greeted them with smiles as they passed through the flooded streets.
However, GIDI argued that these very politicians are at least indirectly responsible for the neglect and mismanagement that led to the dam’s failure, describing the scene as the perfect reflection of Nigeria.
“Nothing gives a better reflection of Nigeria than this video. Government officials riding comfortably with citizens waving and smiling while immersed in dirty floodwaters.”
The flood, which turned half of the Borno State capital under waters, caused widespread destruction and left many people dead, homeless and struggling to survive.
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DADDY TRIPLET, the Nigerian politicians derived joy from the pain of the masses. All this will surely end one day.”
Simon Ikeaka says “You’re inside the flood cheering those created the flood by not building good roads, bridges and drainages”
https://x.com/SimonIkeaka/status/1835282495257907581
For many, the loyalty displayed by the victims, even in the face of clear governmental failure, highlights the deep-rooted dynamics of power and survival in many parts of Nigeria, where many feel compelled to honour their leaders, hoping for eventual relief or assistance in the aftermath of such a devastating tragedy.
And this makes politicians struggle to remain in power despite repeated failures to provide essential services.
The Alau Dam collapse is the latest example of how corruption and mismanagement in public infrastructure projects have tangible, devastating consequences.
Companies contracted to maintain the dam were paid large sums, but the quality of work remains questionable.
Reports suggest that structural issues with the dam were ignored, allowing the disaster to happen and thousands of residents were left with nothing.
While the politicians were warmly received, the people of Maiduguri will need more than smiles and waves to rebuild their lives.
The issues of poor governance, corruption, and neglect must be addressed to prevent future tragedies like the Alau Dam disaster.
