In a bid to check deforestation and evasion of revenue accurable to Bayelsa State, the Bayelsa State Minister For Environment, Mrs Sharon Ikeazor, through the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Waripamo Martin-Amaitari, has released a memo, announcing a temporary shutdown of the State forest. This memo was written and made public on 4th January, 2022.
The memo thus reads:
"In accordance with the Bayelsa State Forestry law,2006,under section 50 & 52,CAP F5 and in a bid to check Deforestation/Evasion of revenue accruable to Bayelsa state, the Hon.Commissioner for Environment, hereby declares the State Forest closed, beginning from Monday 10th January ,2022 to Sunday 17th January 2022.
"During this period of seven days,there would be no removal of timber from the State Forest.
"All timber dealers in the State should therefore take note, as anyone found wanting would be made to face the law with their trucks impounded.
"All law enforcement agencies operating in the State and the public should also take note.