Niger Delta
FG Inaugurates
Niger Delta
FG Inaugurates Committee on Ogoniland
Cleanup
The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken another giant stride
to demonstrate its commitment towards the Ogoniland Cleanup with
the establishment of the HYPREP Central Representative Advisory
Committee (CRAC).
The Committee is expected to serve as an all-inclusive and
multi-faceted approach to the Ogoniland cleanup, with a clear
mandate to act as a bridge between stakeholders, communities,
groups, and the Hydrocarbon Pollution and Remediation Project,
HYPREP on all issues relating to a successful project
execution.
Inaugurating the Committee on Monday in Abuja, the Minister of
Environment, Surv. Suleiman Hassan Zarma said in setting up the
Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, the federal
government was careful to note that in the process of executing the
cleanup project, there may arise issues from several areas that
will require resolution.
The Minister pointed out that it was in consideration of the fact
that it was embedded in the HYPREP Gazette the establishment of
Central Representatives Advisory Committee (CRAC).
Addressing the newly inaugurated committee members, Zarma said:
“Your nomination to serve in the committee is another level
provided for you to continue in the pursuit of the restoration of
Ogoniland. It is also a result of the trust your people have in you
to be a true representative and to help guide HYPREP and the
Federal Government by extension to resolve issues that may arise
without bias and without resorting to litigation”.
The Minister expressed the belief that as grassroots people, their
interface between the communities and HYPREP on thorny issues
arising from the cleanup project will in no small measure help
build a peaceful and secured environment for the successful
implementation of the cleanup of Ogoniland.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs.
Ibukun Odusote charged the CRAC members to be guided by the
commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari to the timely restoration
of aquatic and environmental life in Ogoniland and called for “the
urgency of the assignment, and hit the ground running as you move
to carry out this important national duty”.
Speaking on behalf of members of the committee, the inaugurated
Chairman and Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Dr. Marvin Decal,
thanked the Minister for the confidence reposed on the members and
assured that they will bring their wealth of experience to bear in
the assignment.
He said, “It is a special day because HYPREP from today has a voice
that can speak and be heard in the Ogoni Communities”
Speaking on behalf of the Ogoniland Council of Traditional Rulers,
HRH, Sir Samuel L.A. Nnee, the Gbenemene Tua-Tua and paramount
Ruler of Kpite, Tai, who is also a member of the committee, assured
that with the inauguration of the committee, “there will be peace
in Ogoniland henceforth”.
The Royal Father added that, “we have been following with
satisfaction the progress being made on the Ogoniland cleanup
exercise. We are happy with what is going on and henceforth, there
would be peace”
In his remarks, a prominent member of the Movement for the Survival
of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) who is also a Member of HYPREP
Governing Council, Legborsi Pyabara said the inauguration of the
committee was a clear indication that the Federal Government will
carry all parties along in the Ogoniland cleanup.
He said, “We believe the participation and involvement of the
communities in the exercise is very important. And we consider this
committee a very important structure in the development of our
communities”.
The founding Secretary General of MOSOP and another Member of
HYPREP Board, Prof. Ben Naanen said the committee will provide a
good platform to launch another phase of the struggle for the good
of Ogoniland, even as he expressed optimism that it will build a
workable bridge between the communities and HYPREP.
The 10 member committee which is made up of HYPREP Project
Coordinator who is also the Chairman, with representatives of the
Rivers State Government, International Oil Companies (IOCs), Civil
Society Organizations, Traditional Rulers and UNEP, is expected to
mediate, counsel, advice, reconcile and recommend appropriate
actions where applicable with the impacted communities,
stakeholders and Rivers State Government as targets, so as to
ensure a hitch free cleanup exercise.(END)
(Signed)
Saghir el Mohammed
Director Press