AFTER THE FLAG OFF WHAT NEXT?

On the 2nd of June 2016, President Muhammadu Buhari fulfilled his campaign promises, by flagging off the clean up of Ogoni Land, which previous administrations could not achieve. After the launch, nothing else has been said or heard about the clean up exercise. This was the subject of our discussion on air this morning. We looked at the implications of the launch and the people's expectations from the clean up.

President Muhammadu Buhari in line with his campaign promises has commenced the clean-up of Ogoniland.

They have been diverse interests and reactions before and after the launch with many calling for extension to other Niger Delta areas that are also polluted.

Many Ogonis have commended President Buhari for his interest in restoring the devastated Ogoni environment.

They appealed to other tribes in the region to be patient and support the present administration’s effort to address environmental degradation in the region.

One of such people is the Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee in Rivers State, Chief Ogosu, who has appealed to youths and opinion leaders in Ogoni to eschew violence and create enabling environment for the clean-up.

Some persons from Akwa Ibom State also have described the clean-up a exercise as a step in the right direction but urged the federal government to endeavour to extend clean up to other parts of the Niger Delta region as some group of people from Okrika had protested that their area is also affected by the pollution and should be included in the clean-up.

With the launch of the clean-up, what is expected of stakeholders of Ogoni and the entire Niger Delta region for a successful process?

What should the federal government do to achieve the clean-up of the Ogoni and other parts of the Niger Delta region?
Some people are of the opinion that the people of the Niger Delta should ensure there is peace throughout the period of the clean up, because no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of rancour. Stakeholders are also advised to do their own part to ensure a successful clean up. If everyone will join hands, there will be a thorough clean up. What do you think? Some doubters are wondering if this clean up will work out. Do you see it succeeding?