Federal Government Still Committed To Cleaning Ogoni Land – Pres. Buhari

The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), has urged the leaders of Ogoni land to sensitise indigenes on the value of protecting national assets like pipelines and other oil installations.

Buhari, who received the Ogoni leaders at the State House in Abuja on Friday, stated that wilful damages to such assets usually create more havoc on their environment and hamper development in the area.

This is as he noted that the Federal Government was committed to the cleaning up of Ogoni land so that indigenes can regain their lives, return to farms and reactivate economic activities.

“You will need to educate the people of Ogoni land and the region more, that when pipelines are broken, the damage is more to the immediate environment and the people. The majority of farmers and fishermen struggle because the fishes now move to the deep sea,’’ the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity quoted Buhari as saying.

The President said the environmental degradation of Ogoni land as a result of massive spills, which has led to agitations and strife, could be blamed on bad industry practices coupled with security challenges.

He said the government would bring to a close all pending issues on sons of Ogoni land.

“Your Royal Highnesses, distinguished representatives of the people of Ogoni land, I note the need to ensure completion of segment of the East-West Road traversing Ogoni land, and steps will be taken to ensure delivery under the Infrastructure Development Fund as earlier conceived. We intend to complete this vital artery of Nigeria.