In a bid to demonstrate its commitment towards the Ogoniland Cleanup, the federal government has established the Hydrocarbon Pollution and Remediation Project, (HYPREP) Central Representative Advisory Committee (CRAC).
The committee is expected to serve as an all-inclusive and multi-faceted approach to the Ogoniland cleanup, with a clear mandate to act as a bridge between stakeholders, communities, groups and the HYPREP on all issues relating to a successful project execution.
Inaugurating the committee on Monday in Abuja, the Minister of Environment, Surv. Suleiman Hassan Zarma, said in setting up the HYPREP, the federal government was careful to note that in the process of executing the cleanup project, there are likely issues that may arise from several areas that will require resolution, a statement from the ministry quoted him as saying.
Addressing the newly inaugurated committee members, Zarma said their nomination to serve in the committee is another level provided for them to continue in the pursuit of the restoration of Ogoniland.
“It is also a result of the trust your people have in you to be a true representative and to help guide HYPREP and the federal government by extension to resolve issues that may arise without bias and without resorting to litigation,” he said.
The minister expressed the belief that as grassroots people, their interface between the communities and HYPREP on thorny issues arising from the cleanup project will in no small measure help build a peaceful and secured environment for the successful implementation of the cleanup of Ogoniland.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs. Ibukun Odusote, charged the CRAC members to be guided by the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari to the timely restoration of aquatic and environmental life in Ogoniland.
She said: “For the urgency of the assignment, hit the ground running as you move to carry out this important national duty”.
Speaking on behalf the committee, the Chairman and Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Dr. Marvin Decal, thanked the minister for the confidence reposed on the members and assured that they will bring their wealth of experience to bear in the assignment.
He said, “It is a special day because HYPREP from today has a voice that can speak and be heard in the Ogoni Communities”
Speaking on behalf of the Ogoniland Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH, Sir Samuel L.A. Nnee, the Gbenemene Tua-Tua and paramount Ruler of Kpite, Tai, who is also a member of the committee, assured that with the inauguration of the committee, there will be peace in Ogoniland henceforth.
