Lawmaker decries delay in implementing UNEP report

A lawmaker representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District, Senator Magnus Abe, is disturbed by the delay in implementing the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme report on Ogoniland by the Federal Government.Abe explained that a speedy implementation of the UNEP recommendations would save the people of Ogoni from disaster.He said in Port Harcourt on Saturday that the environmental degradation in the area caused by years of oil exploration had been posing a threat to the lives of the Ogoni.Abe said, Over the years, when Ogoni people were talking about the degradation of Ogoniland, people probably did not understand how serious it is.But if you look through the UNEP report, you will be shocked to see the extent of devastation of the ecosystem, the environment and the entire life of a people that has been wasted by oil exploration.I think that this is not only a thing of concern to you; the Ogoni people and Nigeria as a country. It is indeed a concern to the entire world.According to him, other parts of the Niger Delta region are facing the same problem of environmental degradation without any move to mitigate the situation.The Senate Committee Chairman on Petroleum (Downstream) explained that the committee established by the federal government to review UNEP recommendations refused to consult Ogoni people before submitting their report to government.Abe said, We have sent several messages to the President and I am still trying to make efforts to get him. I believe that the President has shown enough commitment in trying to implement the report.Part of the problem may be that there is no communication between us and the ministry or agencies that he (President Goodluck Jonathan) has charged with responsibilities on the issue.I am trying to find a means of finding out exactly what they intend to do and how they will do it because time is running out.I am confident that nobody can afford to ignore the UNEP report. The report by the grace of God will be implemented and Ogoni should have confidence in the President that he will do what is necessary.Expressing the importance of peace in every community in the Niger Delta, the lawmaker urged Ogoni people to continue to embrace dialogue in finding solution to their problems.
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