By Comfort Olayinka
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Environment, Hon Pondi Gbabojor, has summoned the Minister of Environment and the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to appear at before the committee at the next sitting or face sanctions.
Hon Pondi made this pronouncement on Tuesday during a One-Day Public Hearing on 9 referrals bordering on Erosion, Flooding, and Desertification with experts, stakeholders, and affected communities at the National Assembly complex Abuja.
The Minister of environment and DG of Nema who were invited to address the devastating issues of perennial flooding, gully erosion, and desertification that plagued about six communities in Nigeria namely Lagos,Bayelsa, Anambra,Delta,Kano and Bauchi failed to appearm
Gbabojor who expressed the Committee’s displeasure with their absence for the second time,directed the clerk of the Committee to write to both of them, saying such an attitude would no longer be tolerated.
“Clerk do a letter to the Ministry of Environment and NEMA and express the displeasure of the committee because this is the second time they are not showing up and it would not be condoned again.
He expressed the importance and urgency to address the issue, provide relief materials for affected persons and need to save the environment as the environmental crisis is more prevalent in the south-eastern region, and needs urgent attention.
“As the Committee on Environment, alongside other pertinent committees of the House, we recognize the urgent need to address these challenges comprehensively and to chart a course toward sustainable solutions that will protect our environment and provide relief to the affected individuals and communities.
“It is in light of the above, that this Hearing is convened today, to enable us to gather insights from experts, stakeholders, and affected communities, and to deliberate on the multifaceted and severe environmental crises we face as a Nation.
He further lamented the negative impact of erosion on the country’s human, Agriculture, and economic as it threatens food security and deepens poverty.
stating fast encroachment of desertification, particularly in the northern parts which has affected millions of people who depends on agriculture for their survival.
Lawmakers and constituents from the affected communities lamented as erosion has grounded economic activities, destroyed their source of livelihood such as farms,displaced thousands of people and swept away their ancestral homes,calls for the federal Government’s intervention.
The representative of the Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Hon Abdullahi Halims, assures the House would address environmental challenges.
“As the People’s Parliament and in line with our Legislative Agenda of embarking on legislative processes and legal frameworks to address environmental challenges, the House resolved to respond urgently to the menace in the communities to stem the ugly tide. On this note, I urge you to feel free to make your contributions in the most resourceful and open manner possible to provoke positive legislative results.”
