Abe Blames Ogonis’ Woes On Past Governments

The Senator representing Rivers South East in the National Assembly, Senator Magnus Ngei  Abe, has blamed past governments at the federal level for being responsible for the predicament of the  oil producing communities.

Abe noted that the Federal Government’s inability  to implement laws that protect the environment was responsible for the predicament and constant oil pollution and degradation in oil producing communities.

According to him, the oil companies were able to circumvent the law on environment because the previous governments lacked the political will to deal decisively with those flaunting the laws and regulations of the country.

It is in view of this development, he said, that he has been advocating for the restructuring of the federation, pointing out that laws that will protect the environment should be on the residual list, since  it is illogical and wrong that somebody in Abuja who is not affected by the pollution is being given the power to regulate on pollution and otherwise.

He explained that unless every state contributes to the  economy of the nation, things would not get better.

“ Every state should work and contribute to the centre, rather than wait for some few states whose resources are used to feed others,” he said.

The lawmaker said he  was pleased with President Goodluck Jonathan for considering the United Nation Environmental Pollution ( UNEP) report and appointing a committee but, called for the inclusion of an Ogoni son in the committee.

He disclosed that the elected officers of Ogoni have  reached out to President Goodluck Jonathan  to consider the inclusion of their son in the committee