One of the reasons why I supported the emergence of Muhammadu Buhari as President of Nigeria, is because to a great extent, it appears that he listens to the everyday cry of ordinary Nigerians. During his Inaugural speech, Buhari reaffirmed this line of thought when he recognised the efforts of youths who used the social media to propagate the message of change. It is indeed remarkable, that a 73 years old man, remembered to include that honest appreciation in his speech, even though it is a matter which is secretly trivialised by most elderly Nigerian politicians.
Over the past few years, I have been queried by close relatives and friends of mine, with regards to why I seldom write about the environment via the social media. They argued that since I am an Environmentalist, Seafarer, and International Safety Officer, then my online activism ought to be centred around these areas. Being a man given to less arguments, I was never able to convince them as to why I chose to participate in enhancing Buharism rather than Environmentalism, at that time. I hope this piece can finally rest the case.
The last administration in Nigeria was a non listening one, and those who dared to raise issues of urgent national importance where either tagged as enemies of Jonathan, South-South. Or Christians at large. Therefore, a lot of people stayed back, and watched from a corner. Some of us could not keep silent, hence we decided to join forces with politicians, in order to bring someone who we could talk to into power.
To cut the long story short, the environmental condition in our country, especially in the Niger Delta region, is in a very bad shape, hence, a continuous threat to the biological and spatial survival of citizens. There is an urgent need for the President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government to take drastic steps in addressing the issues of deforestation, pollution, natural and artificial degradation of the earth surface, climate change, wildlife depletion, desertification, et al.
Like many other reports, the UNEP report can assist the President in initiating a speedy and effective approach towards reshaping our environment, in order to ensure a better living condition for us all.
Solomon Okocha writes in from Abuja, Nigeria.
