Bayelsa Communities Decry Impact Of Oil Leak

The Kalaba and
Ayambele communities in Bayelsa State, affected by the August oil leak from the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC)’s facility, have expressed concern on its negative impact.
Chief Roman Orukali, Chief of Kalaba community, who spoke for the two communities, noted that the effect of the leak on the residents was worrisome.
In an interview with newsmen in Yenagoa, Orukali appealed to the Bayelsa government to come to the aid of the people, saying that the spill had destroyed their farmland.
He alleged that the oil leak which he claimed was promptly reported to the company was left to escalate and pollute the environment.
“I got the information that a spill occurred along Agip pipeline across the Taylor Creek and went to the forest four days later and saw things for myself.
“From what I observed, I can say that it was not equipment failure; I noticed some freshly dug out mud around the spill point.
“I was highly annoyed because some people had destroyed our environment. We don’t know who must have caused the spill,’’ he said.
He, however, said he had warned his subjects against any act of sabotage and anybody caught would be handed over to the law enforcement agents.
“I am strongly against any act of sabotage because there is no gain in it; it rather destroys our health and means of livelihood.
“Besides, health is wealth; so if that wealth is destroyed, how can we take care of our children and other responsibilities.
“That is my stand on it and I will maintain it throughout my tenure as the paramount chief of the community,’’ Orukali said.
He further commended the officials of the state’s ministry of environment for showing concern and visiting the impacted sites.
It will be recalled that the Commissioner for Environment in the state, Mr Iniruo Wills, had earlier summoned Agip officials and urged the company to temporarily shut down the facility to forestall further spill.
The ministry also set up a task force to monitor oil spills in the state with the aim of enforcing compliance to existing laws on oil production in the country.
When contacted, the Manager of Media Relations of NAOC, Mr Filipo Cotalini,declined comments on the development.

Cross session of participants at the 2014 native and vogue Port Harcourt Internatioal Fashion week in Port Harcourt. Photo: Ibioye Diama