By Chuks Oyema-Aziken (Baku, Azerbaijan)
The former lawmaker representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency, Samuel Onuigbo has expressed optimism that COP29 will chart a way forward in tackling climate change in Africa.
Speaking to journalists at ongoing COP29 In Baku Azerbaijan, he lamented that the continent which contributes just 3% of global emissions has not received adequate attention.
According to him “USA’s emits about 12.5% of the Global emissions with a population that is about 4.23%, while Africa’s population is about 18.3% of the world’s population, and Africa emits about 3% of global emissions
“If we were to do a role reversal for the developed countries who are the highest emitters to now occupy Africa’s position and suffer what we are suffering now even when we emit just about 3% of global emissions, they would have solved the problem without pretending to be looking for solutions while constantly mounting road blocks.
He said African must speak with one voice in presentation of their demands.
“At the first summit on climate change by the heads of government of Africa in September 2023. I was lucky to participate in the legislative arm of that summit.We made a resolution on the way forward.
“Over 600 million Africans do not have access to electricity. Therefore, we must begin to speak with one voice. And that we are not the emitters. And we deserve to be supported to address these challenges.
He also expressed optimism that funds released for climate actions will be transparently applied.
During the 8th Assembly, Hon Onuigbo was Chairman of the House Committee on Climate Change and sponsored Nigeria’s Climate Change Bill which has been passed into law.
