Don’t Only Patronize Apc Members In Ogoni Clean-up – Wike Warns Fg

SAN FRANCISCO, March 04, (THEWILL) – Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state on Friday warned the All Progressives Congress-led federal government against selective patronages in favour of members of the ruling party in the clean-up of polluted communities in Ogoni land.

Wike, who spoke while receiving the Minister of Environment, Hajia Amina Muhammed, who is on a two-day stakeholders engagement and sensitization visit to Rivers and Bayelsa state, cautioned that the clean-up would not be achieved if the federal government allows a particular political class to dictate or drive the process.

His words, “Let no one tell you that don't worry, I am in charge. Let no one toss you to where you will be able to explain. I don't know who compiled the lists of the stakeholders, I know that traditional rulers are involved , we must be careful not to introduce politics into this, environmental issues does not have political affiliation, if we are not careful we may not achieve what we want to achieve.

“I owe you this duty not just as a Governor, but as someone who is interested in the clean-up, there were political undertones to it and that is why the previous government could not achieve what they wanted to achieve. We are very interested in what happens in the Niger-Delta, Ogoni land and Rivers State in particular.”

In an earlier remark, the Minister disclosed that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari was committed to making life better for the people of the Niger Delta.

“Mr. President's decision to make implementation of the UNEP report on Ogoni land a priority speaks volume of his determination to make lives of the people of the Niger Delta better,” she said.