The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, yesterday, urged the Governor Monday Okpebholo to deal with the flooding menace currently ravaging the state and its people.

The opposition party also called on Okpebholo to realise that the responsibility of protecting the life and property of the people of Edo State rests fully with him.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Publicity Secretary, Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, Chris Nehikhare, and made available to newsmen in Benin.

Nehikhare, who expressed shock at the flooding in parts of Benin City and its environs, asked Okpebholo to realise that the responsibility of protecting the life and property of the people of Edo State rests fully with him.

MEANWHILE, the Edo State Government has announced plans to clamp down on all lounge, club, and outdoor bar owners operating without valid building or development permits.

The Managing Director of the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency (ESDBCA), Imoisili Igabali, yesterday, said the exercise has become necessary due to the haphazard proliferation of such establishments across urban areas in the state.

He said owners of lounges, clubs, and outdoor bars are required to visit the ESDBCA with photocopies of their building or development permits for revalidation and authentication, if available.

“They are, by this announcement, expected to comply with immediate effect. Failure to do so will attract strict sanctions,” Igabali warned.