Ex-agitators of Ogoni extraction of Rivers State have appealed to the Federal Government to consider them for appointment into the Board of Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP).
In an open letter to President Bola Tinubu signed by the State Coordinator and National Publicity Secretary, Lekia Lezorge Tongor, they emphasised their knowledge and experience on environmental matters.
They noted that they can effectively coordinate and supervise the cleanup exercise to achieve the needed results.
They pledged support for oil resumption in Ogoniland and urged that paragraph 20(b), of the Act that established HYPREP be followed in appointing key managers of the agency.
Part of the letter read: “We humbly ask that youths be considered in a position of trust to manage and supervise the Ogoni clean up project.
Young People are full of strength and vigour and will help drive the renewed hope agenda of Mr President.
“Professionalism and expertise be considered. Youths with background in environmental sciences and allied professions should be considered.
“As we all know, an accountant can not do the job of a medical doctor even if he has 100 years experience in the hospital, a degree in medicine is required, so it is in the environmental sector.
“The HYPREP gazette of 2016 especially paragraph 20(b) which highlights the qualifications of the project coordinator which must be an Environmental Scientist with relevant experience and these should be adhered to.
“The Ogoni ex-agitators pledge to support the ongoing dialogue for oil resumption in Ogoniland as long as it is to the benefit of our people.”
Source: The Nation Online