Women for Sustainability (WfS), a Niger-Delta Environmental Health Advocacy organization, is optimistic that the’soot’ that has developed in the region as a result of the actions of crude oil/products thieves would soon be a thing of the past.
In a news release issued on Wednesday, WfS ascribed the nearly complete removal of the soot to continuing military operations to cleanse the region of economic criminals.
According to a press statement issued by the group’s convener, Ms. Ibieye Batubo, the residents of the region, particularly those living in Port-Harcourt, are pleased that the military is progressively finding a solution to the air pollution that is affecting people’s health.
She stated that their investigations indicated that, while it has not been totally eradicated, the situation is significantly better than it was previously.
While commending the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen LEO Irabor, for his dedication to finding a solution to economic sabotage, the organization advised troops to avoid criminals who wish to continue stealing the commonwealth of the people and spreading illnesses in the region.
“Although we thank the Defence Headquarters for playing a significant part in the decrease of soot in the region, we think it is still not uhuru,” she added. We desire an environment free of pollutants that produces sickness.
“We thus ask to Chief of Defence Staff Gen LEO Irabor and his troops not to give in to the antics of crude oil thieves, some of whom are unwilling to give up criminality.” For the first time, we have a CDS who has visited the region multiple times due to economic sabotage.
The group urged inhabitants of the area to work with military to solve the situation.
“This situation cannot be handled if our people, who have been exposed to many environmental threats, do not collaborate with the military to resolve the crisis,” Batubo stated.
