The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Rivers State Chapter welcomes the announcement by the Presidency of fast-tracking the clean-up of Ogoniland as part of the recommendations contained in the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) Report on the devastation pollution of Ogoniland by Oil exploration activities of the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and allied multinational corporations.
The PDP commends President Buhari for not discontinuing a process started by previous administrations, which led to the commissioning of UNEP activities in Ogoni as well as setting up of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project (HYPREP), particularly by the Jonathan’s administration, all of which were being gazetted.
The PDP says fast-tracking of the cleanup of Ogoniland as recommended in the famous UNEP report was quite important considering the deteriorating situation in the affected communities in the region, noting that the life of the people of Ogoni, who have contributed much to the sustenance of the country should be paramount and of much concern to any government at all times.
The Party also views the amendment of the structures on the implementation of the exercise in Ogoniland as also relevant to the present time, believing that if the full details of the recommendation are carried out accordingly the government will further be commended for a job well done.
While appealing to the President to actually match his words with action, by committing himself to full implementation of the details of the UNEP report recommendation on Ogoniland, the Party urges all stakeholders and handlers of the project not to sabotage the good intention of Mr. President in that regard but to ensure that proper work is done according to international specification.
Describing the actions on the UNEP report as appropriate, the PDP says such action is in line with what is being done in the State by the Wike’s administration, which has spared nothing in realizing its restoration agenda, particularly on road infrastructure, environmental sanitation and waste management.
The PDP explains that in committing himself to providing clean, healthy and safe environment to the people of Rivers State, Governor Wike immediately after being sworn-in on May 29, commissioned ‘Operation zero pothole’ in Port Harcourt, and resuscitated the State Waste Management Agency with the appointment of a competent administrator, Bro Felix Obuah, as Head of the Agency.
The Party while commending Gov Wike on these laudable steps taken so far in restoring the State and the people, calls on the people of the State to cooperate with the government by maintaining a clean and healthy life style in order to encourage the government do more.
It also assures the citizenry of sustained commitment by the government in the State in giving them better and healthy life.
Signed
Jerry Needam
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity
To the State PDP Chairman, Bro Felix Obuah
Friday, August 7, 2015
