#NDCleanUp: I’ve fulfilled my promise to Ogoni people – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has stated that he has fulfilled his promise to Ogoni people after flagging off the clean up of Ogoniland, stressing that he will monitor the daily progress of the clean up as a fulfillment of his promise he made to Ogoni people during campaign in 2015.

Buhari who was represented by Vice President Yemi Osobanjo, noting that it is a reward for sacrifices made by the heroes and people of Ogoniland, such as the late Ken Saro-Wiwa and others.

Buhari who frowned at the resurgence of oil pipeline vandalism and oil theft which has drastically reduced gas supply to power stations, said the sabotage of oil pipelines would no longer be tolerated.

Mr President said government will enforce the rule of law in protecting federal government assets.

Earlier the Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Amaechi recalled how his administration fast tracked work of the officials of UNEP report through the office the Secretary to the Rivers State Government then occupied by Magnus Abe who later became a Senator.

He said he as the then Governor along with prominent Ogonis pleaded with ex-President Goodluck Jonathan to implement the UNEP report submitted to since August 2011 but to no avail.

Also present at the flag off was Governor Nyesom Wike. He commended Pres Buhari for the planned clean up, describing it, as a good gesture that will lead to restoration of the environment of the Ogoni people.

Wike pledged the support of government in the full implementation of the UNEP report in Ogoniland, noting that Ogonis have adopted a non-violent posture in fighting for environmental justice.

He said the clean up presents a road map to gauge the extent of damage to Ogoniland and the ecosystem of the Niger Delta.

On his part, the President of the Movement For the Survival Of Ogoni People (MOSOP), Legborsi Pyagbara, said the flag off by President Buhari is a reward for the non-violent posture of Ogoni people in their struggle and it signals a healing process in Ogoniland which they had suffered for years.

The event took place at Tekru Waterfront in Bodo in Gokana LGA of Rivers State, the site of the flag off of the clean up of Ogoni environment, chaired by Vice President Osinbajo.