HYPREP UNDER F!RE AS DR. FABEKE DOUGLAS DEMANDS ENVIRONMENT MINISTER'S RESIGNATION OVER ALLEGED N28BN NON FUNCTIONAL WATER PROJECT IN OGONILAND

The  (OLI) has called for the immediate resignation of Nigeria's Honourable Minister of Environment over what it described as the alleged gross mismanagement of the Ogoni Clean-up project.

In a press statement signed by the organization's president, Dr. Fabeke Douglas, OLI disclosed that it had submitted an official letter to the Minister's office in Abuja before his departure for an international engagement, demanding his immediate resignation.

According to the group, the demand follows fresh findings from its ongoing investigation into the implementation of the Ogoni Clean-up programme.

OLI alleged that a ₦22 billion contract for the assessment and characterization of contaminated soil in Ogoniland was awarded to a company that allegedly lacked the required qualifications and technical capacity to execute the project.

The organization also claimed that about ₦28 billion was spent on water projects across Ogoniland that remain non-functional despite being commissioned by the Minister. It further alleged that tax refunds deducted from contractors have not been properly accounted for.

In addition, OLI said it is in possession of a National Assembly committee report which allegedly indicates that more than ₦341 billion cannot be accounted for out of the ₦900 billion reportedly received for the Ogoni Clean-up project.

The group maintained that these findings, alongside an existing court injunction relating to an alleged fraudulent contract variation, point to what it described as widespread mismanagement of the clean-up exercise.

"The Ogoni Clean-up project has been grossly mismanaged, looted, and rendered ineffective, with little or no tangible impact on the lives of the Ogoni people," the statement read.

OLI further argued that the continued stay of the Minister in office could undermine the credibility and objectives of the clean-up programme.

The organization also disclosed that it is engaging officials of the  (UNEP) to seek clarification on international reports relating to the Ogoni Clean-up.

It added that it remains committed to ensuring accountability and expressed hope that its investigations would lead to a comprehensive report that would help determine the next course of action toward achieving justice for the Ogoni people.

The Federal Ministry of Environment had not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.