News

POLLUTION: CSO Calls For Setting Up Of Environmental Remediation Bond

Published

2 years ago

September 5, 2023

The Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) has called for the setting up of an environmental remediation bond.

ERA/FoEN said the bond, when set up, will be saddled with the responsibility of setting aside funds aimed at tackling environmental issues when such needs come up without waiting for a budgetary approval.

The Executive Director, ERA/FoEN, Chima Williams, in a statement signed by Elvira Jordan and made available to INFO DAILY, also called for the release of the Ecology Fund earmarked for environmental remediation in communities that have suffered pollution, deprivation and other abuses caused by divesting IOCs.

He also admonished President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to repurpose his policies in the environment sector and start exactly from where his predecessor, former president, Muhammadu Buhari stopped in the Niger Delta, by ensuring the accelerated clean-up of Ogoniland, adding that all bureaucratic bottlenecks to the clean-up should be removed, followed by an environmental audit of the entire Niger Delta.

Speaking on existing and emerging issues in the environment sector under the present administration, Williams stated that several initiatives have been introduced by the new government with varying degrees of impact on Nigerians, and these issues, according to him, have a connection with the environment.

Commenting on the fuel subsidy removal, he stated that the President’s announcement of the decision in his inaugural address was hasty and obviously not well-thought out, adding that the necessary engagement with critical stakeholders in the Nigerian project including representatives of labour, civil society and community representatives was not carried out prior to this decision.

“The implication was immediate and has resulted to spiralling inflation, high cost of food and transportation with Nigerians at the grassroots feeling the pinch more.

“The subsequent announcement of $500 billion in palliatives which targeted N8,000 (eight thousand naira only) per household was a continuation of the confusion in policy before it was withdrawn in favour of N5 billion for palliatives per state, which has failed to address the real plight of ordinary Nigerians.

“We restate that the solution to the high cost of fuel remains local refining. The rehabilitation of the refineries as promised by the President must be prioritised even as we also demand a probe of the trillions of naira that have gone into turn around maintenance for the nation’s moribund refineries. We equally demand that individuals and companies that have scammed this nation through the subsidies are held accountable, “ he added.

While speaking on the divestment of oil companies in the Niger Delta, Williams explained that the International Oil Companies (ICOs) have escalated their rhetoric about divestment from the Niger Delta region without reversing the environmental harms caused by oil exploration and extraction in the region.

According to him, over six decades of oil exploration in the Niger Delta region has left the region degraded, with frequent oil spills and gas flaring with grave impacts on man and the environment. These hazards continue to shorten the lifespan of the people of the region.

“Unfortunately, national companies have been buying off the oilfields left by the oil majors, without clear provisions about who is liable for historical contaminations and related socio-ecological issues,” he said.

News

JUST IN Ex-CJN, Mohammed Uwais, Is Dead

Published

3 hours ago

June 6, 2025

Editor

A former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mohammed Uwais, has died at the age of 88.

The former CJN died in the early hours of Friday, according to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo State, Dr Kayode Ajulo.

Uwais served as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1995 until his retirement in 2006.

Following his retirement, he chaired the Presidential Electoral Reform Committee inaugurated by late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

The committee included prominent figures such as Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah and human rights lawyer, Dr Olisa Agbakoba, SAN.

Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced. Tributes from legal, political, and civic leaders are expected to pour in over the coming days.

More to come…

News

Eid al-Adha: We’ll Work Tirelessly To Ensure A Safer Edo – Okpebholo

Published

4 hours ago

June 6, 2025

Editor

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has expressed his administration’s commitment to the safety and security of lives and property across the state.

Speaking during a visit by Muslim faithful to the New Festival Hall, Government House, in celebration of Eid al-Adha, Okpebholo, who was represented by his Deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, emphasized that the present administration remains focused on building a secure and prosperous Edo.

“Our administration is fully committed to the welfare and well-being of all citizens. Security remains the bedrock of any thriving society, and we are working tirelessly to ensure that lives and property are protected across Edo State,” he stated.

He urged citizens to reflect on the values of Eid al-Adha — unity, love, sacrifice, and peace — and to continue to uphold the shared values that promote harmony across religious and ethnic lines.

“As we celebrate, let us reaffirm our collective commitment to building a society that is inclusive, tolerant, peaceful, and respectful of all cultures and faiths. Let us extend hands of support to the less privileged, sharing and giving to make the season meaningful for all,” the governor added.

Okpebholo also appealed to parents to preach peace to their children and discourage them from engaging in cultism, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality.

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Benin, Alhaji Abdulfatai Enabulele, commended Governor Okpebholo for the developmental strides recorded in his first six months in office. He lauded the governor’s strategies in combating cultism, kidnapping, and criminal activities, noting that they have contributed significantly to the peace currently being enjoyed across the state.

Alhaji Enabulele also urged those involved in criminal activities to embrace more progressive ideas and support government efforts toward sustainable development.

He expressed gratitude to the governor for his benevolence and support to the Muslim community, which he said has made the Eid celebration more enjoyable.

He further advised that major routes into the state be better secured through the use of vigilante groups, and called on the government to ensure grassroots implementation of the five-point “Agada” plan for inclusive development.

Edesili Anani Okpebholo, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, described the celebration as a reminder of the importance of love and sacrifice. She urged citizens to make kindness and selflessness a daily habit, especially toward the less privileged.

Also speaking, the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, praised Governor Okpebholo for his leadership, fairness, and commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy.

“The governor is a man of vision, focused on project-based leadership that aims to improve the lives of our people,” he said.

The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, also acknowledged the contributions of the Muslim community in fostering peace and supporting the government’s efforts.

He assured that the Okpebholo-led administration would continue on its path of visible and impactful development.

“In just six months, the governor has demonstrated a practical and people-focused approach to governance. The projects so far embarked upon directly impact the lives of citizens, and there’s more to come,” Ohonbamu noted.

News

JUST IN: Akwa Ibom Gov Dumps PDP For APC

Published

5 hours ago

June 6, 2025

Editor

The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.

He made this known during an official announcement on Friday at the Government House in Uyo, the state capital.

The governor said the decision followed “three months of wide consultation” with critical stakeholders across the state.

Eno expressed his gratitude to the PDP for their support during his tenure, stating that it was time for him to make a progressive move.

The governor said he decided to join the APC, citing his admiration for President Bola Tinubu and the need for Akwa Ibom State to align with the federal government to reap continuous benefits.

Eno also assured the people of Akwa Ibom State that he would continue to work tirelessly for their benefit, regardless of party affiliation.

He said, “After completing the rounds of my consultation as your servant whom you have elected to serve, I have therefore decided to progressively move to the APC.

”We’re joining the APC today in the state interest and because of our critical admiration and respect for President Tinubu and to provide the needed support for Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

”We are not joing the APC from the position of weakness but from the position of strength and alive. We are joining the APC out of a need to align our state with the center.”

Some of the APC Governors who attended the event included the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma; Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo) and Bassey Otu (Cross River), among others.