Lokoja – A Lokoja -based human rights activist, Mr Idris Miliki Abdul says the decision of the Kogi State government to ban production of charcoal is an after thought and a misplacement of priority.
Miliki, Executive Director, Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR) made the observation on Sunday in a statement in Lokoja.
He said that those who came up with the idea were not in tune with the real situation on ground.
“In the first instance , is the production of charcoal on in Kogi State? Are we in a military regime in Kogi State ?
” Where and when was the stakeholders meeting that agreed on that draconian policy held ?
“Was it ever discussed at the state executive council meeting and when?
“How can someone wake up from the wrong side of his bed to say no one can transport charcoal across the 21 local government in the state,” he queried.
Miliki called on Governor Yahaya Bello to admonish his appointees on the need to always consult widely before making policy statement that will not have any meaningful and unsustainable impacts on the people.
“If the people cannot produce charcoal here in the state, can’t they buy and bring to the state for sale and for their domestic usage. Travel to the Federal Capital Territory, charcoal is everywhere at affordable prices,” he said.
The activist charged the state Commissioner for environment to attend to the numerous environmental challenges facing the state instead of making frivolous policy statement.
He then called on the Ministry of Environment to rescind its decision to ban production, transportation and usage of charcoal in the state in the interest of people, peace, and the economy of the state.
“A government that is paying percentage salaries can not sustain such unpopular and reactionary policy,” Miliki said. (Vitalnews)
