The Executive Director of Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR), Comrade Idris Miliki Abdul, has picked holes in the recent ban on production of charcoal by Kogi state government.
In a statement issued in Lokoja on Sunday, the activist said the state government is not in tune with reality on ground.
Miliki asserted that the ban on charcoal by Kogi state government is an after thought and misplacement of priority.
“In the first instance, is the production of charcoal going on in Kogi state? Are we in a military regime in Kogi state?
“Despite the numerous environmental challenges facing the state, that is not being attended to by the ministry of environment, was there any stakeholders meeting that agreed on that draconian policy? Was it ever discussed at the state executive council meeting? When?
“How can someone wake up from the wrong side of bed to say no one can transport charcoal across the 21 local governments in the state?,” he queried.
Miliki called on Governor Yahaya Bello to mandate his appointees to consult widely before making policies that does not have any meaningful impact on the people.
“If the people can produce charcoal, why can’t they buy and bring same to the state for their usage? If any one travel to the Federal Capital Territory, charcoal is every where.
“We call on the Commissioner and the Ministry of Environment to rescind this unpopular policy banning production, transportation and usage of charcoal in the state, in the interest of people, peace and the economic realities in Nigeria and Kogi state. A government that is paying percentage salaries can not sustain such unpopular and reactionary policy.”
