By Kote Obe, Port Harcourt
Some civil society groups have picked holes in the approach of Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, in arresting those behind the operation of illegal refineries in the state.
The Rivers State Civil Society Organization said the governor is selective in going after the operators of the refineries.
The spokesman of the organization, Christopher Lenu said rather than go after the errand boys caught at the sites of the refineries, the governor should name and go after the big names behind them.
Though he commended the new found strength of the governor in curbing soot emissions in the state, he said move against sponsors of the illegal refineries should be made.
The governor had two days ago named 19 people and ordered their arrests for their parts in operating illegal refineries in the state.
But Lenu said, “If we had heard some names from areas which are known as flashpoints and areas that are responsible primarily for this savage in the state, he should also find the courage to name them in the same vein.”
The civil rights activist also criticized the ban on use of motorcycles in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor local government areas by the governor, saying it will chase away genuine investors in a state where government has little or nothing to generate employment.
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He said most of the companies and individuals using motorcycles in the capital city had already gone through legal procedures prescribed by the ministry of transport.
Similarly, the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights has faulted some orders made by Governor Wike in his New Year Day and January 9th broadcasts, saying they lacked legislative and judicial backings.
The National Legal Adviser of CDHR, Mr. Henry Ekene, said that under the law no property of any citizen can be compulsorily acquired, impounded, demolished or taken over without due process.
He said, “Considering the unilateral and arbitrary action of bans and closure of legitimate businesses, threats of revocation of certificates of occupancy, arrests and deposition of traditional rulers, one is only reminded of proclamations and decrees of the military and dictatorial regimes after suspensions of the Constitution.”
He therefore urged the governor to recognize the rights of citizens protected under the law.
However, the Centre for Environment and Human Rights Development has applauded the governor for his approach to ending the soot menace in Rivers State.
The Assessment and Vulnerability Officer of the centre, Ms. Nyanga Baridansi, hailed the bold steps recently taken by the governor to close down illegal refineries.
“The government has taken a little bold step which serves as the bedrock,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources, Dr. Peter Medee has appealed to citizens to support government’s efforts to tackle the soot menace. He urged citizens to be supportive of government rather than indulge in endless criticism of government policies.
