Environmentalist Applauds Reps For Investigating Oil Spills

An environmentalist, Mr
Alagoa Morris, has applauded the House of Representatives for investigating the incessant oil spill in Ikarama community of Bayelsa.
Morris gave the commendation in an interview with newsmen in Yenagoa.
He said that the House’s response to the people’s call for the investigation showed how sensitive it was to their plight.
It would be recalled that the House on April 2, directed its Committee on Environment, headed by Mrs Uche Ekwunife, to investigate the frequent occurrence of oil spills in the area.
Ikarama community in Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state where Agip and Shell oil fields are located has witnessed many oil spills over the years.
The Head of Field Operations, Environmental Rights Action/Friends of Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), also urged the legislators to collaborate with other stakeholders to enhance the investigation.
“The move by the House of Representatives by ordering an investigation into the frequent spills in Ikarama is apt and welcome.
“We have persistently made the call in the course of reporting these spills.
“It is, however, pertinent that critical stakeholders like ERA/FoEN, the media, host communities and oil firms are involved for a robust investigation that will achieve lasting results.
“The committee would be doing a more thorough job if it carries along environmental groups and the media which have monitored and reported on the state of the environment,” he added.