Presidential standard-bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, yesterday, donated N55 million to flood victims in Bayelsa State.

Speaking at Government House, Yenagoa, during a sympathy visit, he said the donation was his token to support the recovery process of those affected by the natural disaster.

Describing the catastrophe as disheartening, Abubakar lamented its effect on the lives and economy of the people of the state, calling on the Federal Government and public-spirited individuals and organisations to support Bayelsa in this trying moment.

The former Vice President canvassed the establishment of an independent flood disaster relief fund to provide succour to victims and a temporary fund for farmers to ameliorate their losses and provide them with capital for the next planting season.

He also urged the government to build critical infrastructure to contain excess water.

Abubakar said if elected President, he would commit to completing the Dasin-Hausa dam in Adamawa State to manage the release of excess waters from the Lagdo dam in Cameroun and take other necessary measures to ensure that Nigeria does not suffer this magnitude of damage due to flooding.

The PDP candidate offered scholarships up to the university level to children of the late footballer, Ernest Peremobowei, who drowned after saving five other victims in a boat mishap.

He also presented him with a posthumous award for his bravery.

Abubakar together with Governor Douye Diri, Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo and some National Assembly members from the state later visited the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp at the Oxbow Lake Pavilion in Yenagoa where he presented another N5 million cash to the victims.

Responding, Diri said Bayelsa people were encouraged by the ex-vice president’s display of love.

In the meantime, Abubakar congratulated the Chairman of DAAR Communications Limited, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, on the occasion of his 71st birthday.

In a statement by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, the PDP presidential flag-bearer said: “High Chief Dokpesi has a record of superlative accomplishments in every one of his endeavours.

“He is one of Nigeria’s finest achievers and it is very befitting that he is celebrated as a national icon on the occasion of his birthday anniversary.

“Chief Raymond Dokpesi is a household name in Nigeria. He is a trailblazer in many fields of our national life, and it is to the records of his successes as a businessman or a politician, that he is one of very few Nigerians whose name enjoys popular acclaim.”

He added: “On the occasion of his birthday, I join the multitude of his admirers to wish High Chief – as he’s mostly called – a happy celebration and pray to the Almighty to continue His blessing and grace of good health and vitality unto him.

“I also congratulate his family on the milestone attained by their patriarch, as well as his Agenebode community for giving the country such an illustrious son.”