Activist berates Government for banning Charcoal

A popular activist in Kogi State, Comrade Idris Miliki, has berated the Kogi State Government for banning the production and sale of charcoal across the 21 Local Government Areas in   the state.

Miliki, who is the Executive Director, Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution, CHRCR in a statement sent to Our Kogi State Correspondent today, Sunday March 13, said a  government that is paying percentage salaries, can not sustain such unpopular and reactionary policy.

While noting that Kogi State is not under a military regime, the activist called on the State Government to rescind what he branded  the un-popular policy, adding that, the policy is draconian, wicked and anti people.

He added that the ban of charcoal in Kogi State, was  an after thought and misplacement of priority by the present administration.

Continuing, Miliki said:  "The media reports in the last few days, suggest that those who came up with that reactionary pronouncement, are not in tune with  the situation on ground. 

"In the first instance, is the production of charcoal  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. Where was the stake - holders meeting that agree on that draconian policy? 

"Was it ever discussed at the state executive council meeting and when? How can someone wake up from one side of his bed to say no 

to transporting of  charcoal across the 21local government areas  in Kogi State".

Miliki , called on the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, 

 to talk to his appointees to consult widely before making policies that do not have any meaningful impact and unsustainable on the people.

 "If the people can produce charcoal, why can't they buy and bring to the state for their usage. If anyone travel to the  Federal 

Capital territory, charcoal is every where. We call on the Commissioner and the Ministry of Environment to reason and rescind this unpopular  policy of ban of production, transportation and usage of charcoal in the state, in the interest of the people,  peace and the economic realities in Nigeria and Kogi state" he added.

It would be recalled that the Kogi State Government through the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Victor Adewale Omofaiye,  on Friday, March 11,  announced  ban on the production and sale of charcoal across the State.

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