Speaker Urges Peace, Unity

Activities marking the celebration of Rivers State Golden Jubilee may have taken its toll on the state House of Assembly as it has not held plenary for four weeks.
However, the Assembly’s Committee on Environment  led by its Chairman, Hon. Christian Ahiakwu, last Tuesday, visited Monier Construction Company (MCC) to  ascertain the company’s level of compliance to environmental laws in the state.
Addressing the management of the company Ahiakwu said that the Assembly is liaising with the State ministry of environment in assessment of the Ambient Air Quality Standard of the state using the statistical activities of companies operating in the state and their levels of compliance to the environmental laws.
He said the Assembly’s oversight function in visiting all the companies operating in the State were aimed at having full knowledge of the cause of the recent black soots and air pollution that can cause unhealthy environment for adequate data to provide effective solution.
He also dismissed insinuations in some quarters of the state that the Assembly’s recent tours to companies in the state were aimed at witch-hunting and extorting money from companies, saying that the legislature is committed to assist the ministry and agencies on environment to ensure effective environment for healthy living and business activities in the state.
He commended the management of the company for its strict compliance to the environmental laws and for ensuring that its activities do not have any negative effect on people and the environment.
On his part, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company (MCC), Senator John Azuta Mbata, said the company’s management made it a serious offence for any employee, consultants or sub-contractors who flouts directives on environmental laws.
He said the management has always ensured that its activities do not impact negatively on residents.
He directed the General Manager of the company, Omaka Oke, to conduct the committee members for inspection of the company’s facilities and operation in its various sites in the state.
Also, the House of Assembly’s Speaker, Rt Hon. Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani and some lawmakers in the state, last Thursday, accompanied Governor Wike to the State Golden Jubilee Women Day celebration held at the Obi-Wali Cultural Centre in Port Harcourt.
Last Saturday, the House Speaker and a few lawmakers were in the entourage of the state governor, for the State Golden Jubilee Boat Regatta held at Tourist Beach, Borokiri, Port Harcourt.
Addressing participants at the event, Ibani urged them to see the Golden Jubilee celebration as an important one aimed at promoting the culture of Rivers people.
He advised them to use the good opportunity of the celebration to imbibe the spirit of unity and love, saying that it is only when people live in peace and harmony that can be engendered in the society.