WED: ‘RSG Committed To Ecosystem Restoration’

The Rivers State Government has restated its readiness to ensure that policies on the restoration of the ecosystem are complied with, the Permanent Secretary Rivers State Ministry of Environment Dr. Nduye C.T Briggs who said this at a press briefing to mark the 2021, World Environment Day in Port Harcourt. Dr Briggs also called for a halt to illegal refining of crude oil, and bunkering activities, burning of refuse, especially plastics and other hazardous wastes, indiscriminate felling of trees and bush burning.
He said the activities not only affect the oil quality and the Ozone layer but also pollute the surface and underground waters.
The permanent secretary said while the government was doing its best to protect the environment, citizens must play a key role in ensuring environmental sustainability.
On your parts, you should also protect and preserve the environment and avoid destruction of ecosystems.
“ We must realise that air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution, climate change, global warming, Ozone layer depletion, noise pollution, soot, over population, are all major issues affecting our environment” he said.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly says its ready to assist in making laws to strengthen the ecosystem restoration campaign.
Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Hon Dumle Mao also said at the briefing that extant laws must be enforced to strengthen the campaign for environmental restoration.
He charged public health officers to be active to take responsibilities as there are extant laws that can be enforced to bring to justice of those destroying the environment.
The law maker also charged the ministry to spread the campaign to all nooks and crannies of the state, stressing that there is need for stakeholders’ engagement on the issue.
He also condemned the continuous dumping of plastic wastes on the river and stressed the need for attitudinal change on the part of members of the society.
The briefing was attended by members of the civil societies, civil servants and other stakeholders.
It also features the planting of trees. It would be recalled that the theme for this year’s World Environment Day was ‘ Ecosystem Restoration’.

By: John Bibor & Richard Barine Leeleebari