Gov Douye Diri-accuses Oil companies for environmental degradation in Bayelsa
Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa says International Oil Companies (lOCs), particularly Shell Petroleum Development Company, have been responsible for the environmental degradation in the state.
Diri disclosed this at the Annual Convention and Fund Raising of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) of the America’s, held in Houston, Texas, U.S., on Sunday
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the congress has the theme: “Ijaw-Nation: Nurturing Partnership through Symbiotic Relationships Towards Homeland, Social, and Economic Development’’.
The governor specifically fingered Shell as a major culprit in the degradation of the Bayelsa environment.
“After waiting for several years for dialogue without Shell or any other IOC coming forward, we will be compelled to institute legal action against the Dutch super oil major and other IOCs.
‘‘Today, Shell is divesting and I call on the Minister of Petroleum (Oil) that we have a duty to ensure that Shell’s divestment must take care of ameliorating our environment.
“Today, our flora and fauna are gone. Our beautiful environment is also gone.
“We will need the support of our brothers and sisters in the diaspora because there is so much we will achieve if we work together,’’ Diri said.
In his remarks, Mr Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), sought the support of ljaw people in joining hands with President Bola Tinubu on the advocacy against oil theft and environmental pollution.
Lokpobiri said: “If you go to our area in Bayelsa State, it is likely to be the most polluted state but people may not know.
“What is responsible for this pollution, it could be mainly the people or companies. The people in that state are involved in getting illegal crude oil for illegal refining.
“After the refining they throw the rest into the river.
“You will agree with me that by the law, Federal Government owns the water and land resources. So, it behaves everyone to join hands together to fight this menace,” he said.
