After several protest by the people of Rivers State, the Federal government has agreed to set up a standing committee to work with relevant environmental stakeholders within the state to bring a lasting solution to the soot ravaging the state.
Minister of Environment, Ibrahim Jubril who spoke during a one-day stakeholders meeting in Port Harcourt, disclosed that he had given National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement, NESREA two weeks to forward the report of the state environmental status to him for onward transmission to the President for further actions.
The issue of soot has been around in the state for about two years without any solution to the menace.
The Minister also debunked the insinuations that the federal government had shown no concern about the soot.
He said, “It is not that we do not know the issue. We know the issue but we came to Rivers state to meet those who are on the ground to further enlighten us.
“So we have agreed to set up a standing committee which will include those who are resident here in Port Harcourt especially the Ministries of Health and Environment. They will liaise with the people at the grassroots and give feedback.
“If the Federal government is not concerned about what is happening in Rivers state I will not be here. I will not invite the GOC and other security chiefs to this meeting.
“This issue is beyond sentiment. It is beyond politics. It is not a joke and we are treating it purely as an environmental issue,” he said.
On her part, the state commissioner for environment, Professor Roselyn Konya said the state was only waiting for action.
