A popular Kogi activist Comrade Idris Miliki has berated the Kogi State Government for banning the production and sale of charcoal across the 21 Local Governments of the state.
Miliki, who is the Executive Director, Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution, (CHRCR) in a statement sent to DAILY POST on Sunday said a government that is paying percentage salaries cannot sustain such unpopular and reactionary policy.
While noting that Kogi State is not in a military regime, the Activist called on the state government to reasons and rescind the unpopular policy adding that, the policy is draconian, wicked and anti-people.
He added that the ban of charcoal in Kogi State is an afterthought and misplacement of priority by the present administration.
Miliki said, “The media reports in the last few days suggests that those who came up with that reactionary pronouncement are not in tune with the reality on the situation on ground.
“In the first instance, 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. Where was the stakeholders meeting that agreed on that draconian policy?
Read Also: Russia’s Central Bank hit as war rages on
“Was it ever discussed at the state executive council meeting and when? How can someone wake up from on side of his bed to say no to transporting of charcoal across the 21 local government in Kogi State”.
Miliki, however, called on the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello to talk to his appointees to consult widely before making policies that don’t have any meaningful impact and are unsustainable on the people, adaeventsnews gathered.
“If the people can produce charcoal, why can’t they buy and bring to the state for their usage. If anyone travels to the Federal Capital territory, charcoal is everywhere. We call on the Commissioner and the ministry of environment to see reasons and rescind this unpopular policy of banning the production, transportation, usage of charcoal in the state, in the interest of people, peace and the economic realities in Nigeria and Kogi State” he added.
It could be recalled that the Kogi State Government through the Commissioner for Environment Victor Adewale Omofaiye, Friday announced the ban on the production and sale of charcoal across the State.
He had warned that any person or group of persons caught producing or in possession of the product will be arrested and prosecuted in the court of law.
