Senate president Bukola Saraki is set to open the November 9 environmental conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers state.
Leadership reports that Governor Nyesom Wike will also be present at the one-day 2015 Annual National Environmental Consultation of the Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria.
Philip Jakpor, head of media for the event, explained the agenda:
“Hydrocarbon perhaps has become the quintessential product driving our existence. Almost all human activity is either directly or indirectly powered by fossil energy. The over- dependence on fossil fuel easily explains why earlier discussions about alternatives or energy transition were greeted with cynicism and rejection.
“Unfortunately, from extraction to usage, fossil fuel bequeaths conflicts, human rights abuses, environmental despoliation, and destruction of local livelihoods. It is not renewable and as such, a reckless and unsustainable use of earth’s gift.
“On the global perspective, the fossil fuel driven world has led to environmental disasters. Sea levels are on the rise, extreme weather conditions, floods, heat wave etc. are on the increase. More and more people are being displaced as a result of climate induced disasters.
“In Nigeria’s Niger Delta, oil multinationals have left the environment wrecked and defiled. Local livelihoods are destroyed, rights abuse cases are on the increase. The region is bedeviled with perennial resource related conflicts.
“The question is whether a low carbon or zero carbon development is possible? Or, put in another way, whether development can even be driven by renewable energy. The 2015 NEC will provide the platform to interrogate the discussion around impact of extractives, energy transition both at the global and national context.”
It is important to note that Wike has been recently in the news over the rift with Dakuku Peterside, the governorship candidate in the 2015 election, and the polls results.
The election petition tribunal on October 24 nullified the April 11 election that produced Wike as governor of Rivers state, citing irregularities and non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act. The fresh polls are set to be conducted within the three months.
Wike, who is preparing another appeal, is sure, however, that there will be no rerun of the elections.
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