Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, has backed the cleanup of Ogoni land launched by the Federal Government on Thursday, June 2, 2016.
Wike, speaking at the flag off of the exercise, promised that the people of the state, especially from Ogoni, will support the programme.
The governor explained that for decades, the entire Niger Delta has been subjected to the worst forms of environmental degradation ever experienced by mankind in this part of the world.
He said millions of barrels of oil have been spilled into the environment by companies exploiting and extracting hydrocarbons from the area with severe consequences to the ecosystem, including wildlife, marine habitations, soil and water quality and human health.
The governor noted that despite continuing protests by the people, the environmental degradation of the Niger Delta has not stopped. Oil spills continue to occur with distressing regularity even in Ogoniland, where oil exploitation had since 1993 ceased.
He said, “For us as a people and the direct victims of the most brazen forms of environmental abuse, today is a watershed in our collective struggle for environmental justice from the Nigerian nation and the world community.
“We therefore welcome this initiative wholeheartedly as shown by our enthusiastic presence, believing that the recommendations of UNEP will be systematically executed. This is because, we believe, that only environmental justice would restore sustainable peace, stability and socio-economic progress in the Niger Delta.
“We are therefore commend Mr. President’s determination to close this ugly chapter in our country’s history. Although this has taken long in coming; it is never too late when it comes to the environment.”
“On our part, the Rivers State Government will ever be willing to provide the platform for a smooth achievement of this long awaited intervention,” he promised.
