From Nwadike Ugochukwu, Port Harcourt
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has explained that the state government requested for inclusion in the implementation of the UNEP Report because it is interested in a safe environment for the Ogoni people.
Also, the Minister of Environment, Hajia Amina Mohammed said that the implementation of the UNEP Report is above politics, hence the Rivers State Government will be involved in implementation process.
Speaking at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Thursday when he granted audience to the Minister of Environment, Governor Wike said though the UNEP Report is a Federal Government project, it is necessary for the Rivers State Government to be included in the processes.
He noted that it was necessary for the Federal Government to spell out the extent to which the Rivers State Government will be involved and the nature of its involvement.
He said: “We are interested in supporting the Federal Government to achieve the clean-up of Ogoni land. That is why we seek that the state be carried along.
“By requesting that we be carried along, we are not asking for contracts. We are only seeking to be involved in the process through information .
“Because we are committed to Ogoni land being cleaned up, that is why we are clamouring to be involved “.
In her remarks, the Minister of Environment, Hajia Amina Mohammed noted that the concern raised by the Governor is being addressed as the implementation of the UNEP Report is beyond politics.
She informed that in the new committee set up by her ministry has set up by her ministry to plan the launch of the programme will have two Representatives of the state government.
She said the clean up exercise is a long-term project that will last 25 years.
According to her, the interaction with stakeholders has led to more inclusion as they head towards the launch of the UNEP Report.