Stop All Divestment Process by Oil Companies, Coalition Charges Tinubu
A coalition of organizations led by Social Action, The Bayelsa Non Governmental Organizations Forum, BANGOF, Community leaders and youths in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital have taken to the streets to charge the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration to immediately stop all divestment process undertaken by oil companies.
The groups and youths who embarked on a road walk carrying placards expressed their grievances over the oil companies divestment in its current form without addressing the social and environmental injustice to the people of the Niger Delta region.
A statement made available to newsmen from Social Action and her partners noted that the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission’s report provides a detailed analysis of the severe pollution caused by Shell’s and other multinational companies operations including health impacts on local populations.
The statement also calls for an inclusive and transparent consultation with state governments and the people of the sites of oil and gas extraction in the Niger Delta region before any further divestment of IOC assets.
Chairman of BANGOF, Mr Taritein Boco pointed out that all the communities in the Niger Delta should be cleaned up to provide a clean and safe environment for the people.
“We are all suffering, people are dieing, look at Oloibiri, after many years of oil exploration activities, a survey conducted last year reveals the terrible state of health condition of the people residing there”
Also speaking, Deputy Director, Environment Defenders and Advocate Network, Mr Morris Alagoa emphasized that communities are suffering from respiratory issues, skin diseases and cancers caused by oil pollution.
“There have been major spills in our environment due to equipment failure, spills, rupture on the pipelines and instead of clean up, they are setting spill sites ablaze, if you visit most of our communities, old and young are coming down with cancers”
On his part, Manager, Corporate Services Administrator, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Commission, NUPRC, Prince Oshodi assured community leaders that their petitions would be properly addressed for the communities to get justice.
“Aside business and regulatory responses, we are addressing the challenges of the host communities. We don’t want them to go to court anymore spending your money without having justice, bring your petitions to NUPRC, litigation is expensive so we have created an alternative for you”
Other demands made includes holding the IOCs accountable for environmental damage, provide community profit sharing opportunities for host communities, include gas flaring cessation and decommissioning plans in any divestment agreement among others.
