ERA, others task govt on environmental protection
Posted 16 July 2011, by Frank Akatakpo, The Nation, thenationonlineng.net
Worried over the growing devastation in the Niger Delta region, especially the environ-mental impact, rights activists and other concerned stakeholders have impressed the need for all tiers of government to put up lasting measures aimed at containing the situation.
This was the resolution of environmental experts and other allied professionals at the annual conference which held in Warri, Delta state recently.
The conference which drew participants from organisations within and outside the country, including Environmental Rights Action and Friend of Earth Nigeria ERA/FoEN, Earth Rights International, U.S.A, Women Environment Programme, Movement For the survival of Ogoni People, among others.
Executive Director and President Friends of Earth International, Rev. Nimmo Bassey, who led other discussants at the conference, lamented what he described as the nefarious activities of multinationals and international oil companies operating in the country, who he accused of criminal negligence of their host communities.
Echoing similar views, the community chairman, Chief Help Obonofemro, who spoke with The Nation declared that surrounding communities within Warri and its environs have continue to suffer the impact of environment crisis fueled by the activities of most of the oil majors operating in the area.
