The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State and its governorship candidate in the 2015 general elections, Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside, have applauded President Muhammadu Buhari for approving and directing several immediate actions to fast-track the long delayed implementation of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) Report on the environmental restoration of Ogoniland.
The APC, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Thursday by its publicity secretary, Chris Finebone, said the development is a confirmation of our earlier position that Buhari means well for the Niger Delta as a whole and Ogoniland in particular, adding that it gives credence to the saying that a good friend is by far better than a bad brother.
Finebone said, “For 6 years that President Goodluck Jonathan was in the saddle as President of Nigeria with full executive powers, he blatantly ignored the UNEP Report for the cleaning of Ogoniland. He carried on as if Ogoniland was not part of the Niger Delta. But today, just 68 days into his administration, President Muhammadu Buhari has demonstrated that with strong will, love and honesty of purpose, nothing is impossible to achieve.
“It further goes to show that the modest contribution to the development of the Niger Delta so far had been championed by those outside of the region. Such efforts include the establishment of the Niger Delta Development Commission [NDDC] by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Ministry of Niger Delta midwifed by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua of blessed memory.”
The party’s governorship candidate, Peterside, in a statement signed by his special assistant on Media, Sylvester Asonya, expressed happiness over the President’s many actions that would eventually address all environmental issues in Ogoniland, pointing out that the move obviously is historic and promises to ameliorate other challenges facing Ogoniland.
He said, “Once again, Mr. President has demonstrated that he is a man of honour. During his campaign stops in Rivers State shortly before the election, he promised our people that his government would look into the UNEP Report and the challenges facing the people of Niger Delta. Less than three months into his administration, the President has already taken a giant step in this regard. He is indeed a man of his words.
“Our people in the region know that this is a president we can trust because of his antecedent and track record. By this action, Mr. President has rekindled hope and brought a major relief to our long-suffering people.
“We know that it can only be better. I therefore urge the entire people of Niger Delta region to rally round this president as he works tirelessly to return Nigeria on the path of honour and greatness. Our region is on his mind, therefore we must do everything possible to support this administration.”
