FG Moves To Tackle Soot In Rivers

The Federal Government has promised to take decisive action against the ravaging soot in Rivers State.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, made the promise while delivering his speech at the 6th National Council on Hydrocarbon held in Port Harcourt.
The minister, who was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nasir Gwazor, said he was deeply concerned about the soot, adding that his ministry would work with the Federal Ministry of Environment to tackle the issue.
“My good people of Port Harcourt, the soot is unacceptable. It has made life hellish for residents.
“The Ministry of Petroleum Resources, therefore, realises this problem and we are going to continue to work with the Ministry of Environment to provide a lasting solution.”
On his part, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources, Dr Peter Medee, appealed to Rivers people to avoid the temptation of stealing what naturally belongs to them, and in the process destroy oil installations.
He called on the people “to continue to support the efforts of the Federal Government to strengthen the production of crude oil as today the major chunk of revenue of this country that will drive the sustenance of the economy is from this sector.
“It is on that note that we call on you to avoid illegal practices and negative tendencies that will affect this noble provision that God has given to us”.
At the end of the summit, 38 memoranda from various groups and agencies were approved by the council for onward consideration and possible action.