Group Makes Case For Rivgreen Marshals

President of Ikwerre Bu-Otu Movement a socio-cultural organisation in Rivers State, Comrade Prince Ihunwo, has called on the Rivers State Government to upgrade the Riv-Green Marghals under the Ministry of Environment to an agency status.

Making the call in an interview with journalists in his office in Port Harcourt Wednesday, comrade Ihunwo noted that it has become imperative since the marshal, have been operating in the past two years and has over 100 youths in its operations.

According to him, since its establishment by the state Ministry of  Environment under the leadership of Barrister Kingsley Chinda, the marshals have contributed immensely to check littering and waste in the metropolis.

He disclosed that the body has about eight zones covering Diobu, Eleme, Elelenwo, Trans-Amadi, D-Line and Woji among others.

Comrade Ihunno cited the case of WAI Corps in Lagos State that has been upgraded to the status of an agency by the state House of Assembly, saying such scenario could be replicated in Rivers State.

He argued that though the state Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi has assured the ministry legalising the operations of RIV-GREEN Marshals, the body is poised to raise a bill for the state House of Assembly over the matter.

He submitted that if the body is legalised and reformed it would provide jobs for unemployed youths in the state and at the same time assist in driving the laudable environment policies of the present administration in the state.

Comrade Ihunwo disclosed plans by the RIV-GREEN Marshals to commence an enlightenment campaigns across the city of Port Harcourt and hinter lauds on the need to protect the environment.

He stated that the campaigns would cover all unfriendly environmental activities of the citizenry including littering, urination and defecation along the roads, unlawful dumping of refuse and road side lawking and selling.

The RIV-GREEN Coordinator dismissed claims by some members of public that some of its members engage in uncial activities as they harass people, saying any arrest made by its men are monitored.

He called on the citizenry to eschew from careless dumping of refuse and all forms of attitude that would pollute the environment.