Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
The Governor of Bayelsa State ,Senator Douye Diri, has expressed commitment to preserve the environment in the state.
Governor Diri made the assertion when he led a high-powered delegation to the United Nations Climate Change Conference taking place in Egypt.
Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, disclosed this while presiding over the 78th Session of the State Executive Council meeting in Government House, Yenagoa, on Wednesday, June, 15, 2022.
A statement issued by the Deputy Governor’s media aide, Mr Doubara Atasi, explained that the conference, commonly known as Conference of Parties (COP) is aimed at proffering solutions to the harmful effects of climate change on the environment.
The statement quoted Senator Ewhrudjakpo as saying that the governor’s participation in COP 27 would yield the desired results that would mitigate the effect of climate change in the state.
According to the Deputy Governor, the conference would not have been incomplete if, Bayelsa was not represented as it is one of the most affected state by climate change and other environmental challenges in the world.
While expressing optimism that the state would build on the gains made from COP 26, he urged the people to appreciate and safeguard the beauty as well as resources they find in their environment.
His words; “The Governor is currently leading a delegation to participate in Cop27 in Egypt. We are very much aware that we have made some progress and gains from COP 26 and I believe that the ongoing conference will bring its benefits to all participants.
“As you are aware, the Niger Delta environment is the greatest recipient of climate change and other environmental challenges. So, it will be incomplete if such issues are discussed and Bayelsa State is not represented.
“He (the Governor) asked that the state should continue to pray together and work together for us to make progress, especially on the issues to be discussed at COP27.”
The Deputy Governor commiserated with the Government and people of Ondo State, particularly the bereaved families and St. Francis Catholic Church over the Owo killing on Sunday June 5.
The Bayelsa Number Two Man also reiterated the call on Nigerians, irrespective of religious leanings to be vigilant of their environment while going to their places of worship and other public gatherings.
He noted that security should not be left for the security agencies alone, but that precautionary measures should be taken collectively to protect lives and property.
The Deputy Governor said, “I want to use this opportunity to call on our brothers and sisters of both religions that this is a time to be more conscious of our environment. Those persons that were brutally murdered were there to do nothing but worship their God.
“So, it calls for sober reflection, prayer and vigilance. We want to encourage our brothers and sisters, including the clergy to be more conscious of what happens within the vicinity of our worship centers.
“Security is everybody’s business. So, throwing up our hands and leaving it to security agencies alone is not sufficient for us to give as an excuse for any lapses that may occur that would lead to the death of our brothers and sisters .
“This is an opportunity for us to be more vigilant in our places of worship and any other public gathering. The only way we can protect ourselves is to take precautionary measures and protect ourselves.
“I want to enjoin all Bayelsans to ensure that if you are going to the church be very sure that the place is secured and all the necessary security measures have been taken to protect lives.”
While advising politicians to avoid acts capable of disrupting public peace and order as campaigns draw nearer, Senator Ewhrudjakpo, restated the need for all those vying for political offices to act within the confines of the law.
Highpoint of the Exco meeting, which is the first after the Owo gory incident, was observance of a moment of silence in honour of victims who lost their lives in the unprovoked massacre.
