Nigerians In Rivers State Dying Slowly Over Soot — Rep. Onuigbo, Seeks Immediate Action

Member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia federal constituency, Rep. Sam Onuigbo has said indigenes and residents of Rivers State, South South Nigeria has for years faced environmental related challenge known as soot which has led to the gradual death of many.

The lawmaker who is the sponsor of the popular climate change Bill which was recently signed into law by the President expressed dissatisfaction that both the federal government and the international community are yet to take adequate action over the challenge which he said affects the quality of air in the state

In a statement obtained by ABN TV on Thursday, Rep. Onuigbo charged citizens in the state to use the opportunity of the Christmas and New Year holiday to ask their representatives questions on what they have done to address the challenge

He said, “For many years now, Nigerians in Rivers State especially Port Harcourt have been battling with the fatal issue of soot which has severely affected the quality of air there. I have spoken about it a number of times. It seems however that both the Nigerian Government and the international community are disinterested in the slow death our people are facing.

“The end of year holidays presents all of us with the opportunity to engage with our representatives (Senators and Honourable members), let us all take responsibility and ask our representatives what they have done to address the soot in Rivers State.

“Millions of lives including those of children are at risk. May we not wait to send a “high-powered condolence delegation” instead of stopping this now.”