ADVERTISEMENT

Reps caution military against destroying illegal refineries

In the motion, Wihioka said that burning of the illegal refineries was partly responsible for the soot challenge.

The Nigerian Senate

The lawmakers made the call on Wednesday at Plenary after adopting a motion by Rep. Chidi Wihioka (Rivers-APC) on the need to address the menace of hazardous soot causing panic in Port Harcourt.

He explained that soot was fine particles composed mainly of carbon produced by incomplete combustion of oil, wood and other fuels.

He said it consisted of acid rain, metals, soil, dust, and was causing serious panic among residents of Port Harcourt.

ADVERTISEMENT

According to the lawmaker, it makes the people sneeze and cough out black substance after inhaling the soot.

Wihioka said that the presence of the soot was noticeable on spread clothes, parked cars, water stored in drums and when a white handkerchief was used to whip one’s face or to sneeze.

He said that if the soot entered the bloodstream of an individual, it could cause a wide array of health challenges, especially respiratory issues like shortness of breath, bronchitis, asthma, stroke, heart attack and cancer.

In his contribution, Deputy Speaker of the House, Mr Yussuf Lasun, said that burning illegal refineries was not a solution to the problems in the coastal areas.

Lasun said that no Nigerian had complained that the petrol, kerosene, diesel and other products from the illegal refineries were inferior to the imported products.

ADVERTISEMENT

He said that it was high time government sat with the operators of the illegal refineries to develop modalities for standardising them.

According to him, if the technology is developed, local companies could independently take over the oil sector without depending on foreigners.

Lasun said that a country could develop either through agriculture, technology transfer “or development of local technology’’.

After the debate and adoption of the motion, the legislators urged the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Federal Ministry of Health to constitute an emergency team of experts to identify the source of the soot and propose remedy.

They asked the ministries to create awareness on the effect of the soot, adding that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) should offer first aid measures to the people.

ADVERTISEMENT

In his ruling, the Speaker of the House, Mr Yakubu Dogara, mandated the Committees on Environment and Habitat and Healthcare Services to ensure compliance and report back within four weeks.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

BREAKING: Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

BREAKING: Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Kaduna Gov grants scholarship to 137 rescued schoolchildren, son of late teacher

Kaduna Gov grants scholarship to 137 rescued schoolchildren, son of late teacher

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT