The leadership of the Oyo State Environmental Vanguard has sought an amicable resolution with the state government following reports alleging that the administration had neglected the welfare and working conditions of its members.
The Vanguard leadership paid a peace visit to the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Ademola Aderinto, in response to reports published by some blogs alleging poor treatment of members of the environmental enforcement outfit.
The visit was also aimed at appealing on behalf of members who were alleged to have contacted the bloggers and opening discussions with the ministry on the issues raised.
During the meeting, the Vanguard leadership presented its concerns to the commissioner, leading to discussions that the parties said resulted in mutual understanding and a renewed commitment to peace and discipline.
Aderinto expressed displeasure over the reports, describing the allegations of neglect by the ministry as misleading and unfounded.
The commissioner said his office remained open to complaints and genuine grievances from staff and members of the Environmental Vanguard, adding that concerns could have been brought directly to the ministry for clarification and resolution.
He questioned why unidentified members of the outfit chose to approach bloggers rather than engage the ministry through established channels.
Speaking on behalf of the Vanguard leadership, Owolabi Idris Bankole apologised to the commissioner and the ministry over the actions of the unidentified members who allegedly engaged bloggers.
Bankole assured the commissioner that such an incident would not be repeated, promising that the leadership and members of the Vanguard would conduct themselves responsibly and maintain discipline.
He also pledged that future grievances would be channelled through the appropriate authorities for discussion and resolution.
The state government, through the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare and effective operation of the Environmental Vanguard and other workers under the ministry.
The meeting ended with both sides agreeing to maintain dialogue and ensure that grievances are addressed through appropriate channels.
