Rivers Assembly Investigates ONELGA Explosion

Lawmakers voting to approve the Caretaker Committee members screened yesterday in the House of Assembly.

The Rivers State
House of Assembly has set up a five man ad hoc committee to investigate the explosion that rocked the Nigerian Agip Oil Company, NOAC facility at Ebocha in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of the state last week.
The committee headed by member representing Gokana Constituency, Hon Israel Lebura Ngbulelu, is expected to visit the site and ascertain the level of damage on people and aquatic life in the host communities.
The lawmakers also resolved that oil multinationals doing business in the State should adopt a symbiotic style of relationship between them and host communities.
The House took the decision  sequel to a motion jointly moved by members representing Ogba/Egbema Ndoni (ONELGA) I and II, Hon. Ahiakwo Christian and Hon. Nathaniel Uwaji, respectively.
In moving the motion, which was seconded by Hon Evans Bipi, Uwaji stated that the explosion had negatively affected the host communities as the air and water have been contaminated.
”The explosion, which started in one of the biggest and oldest tanks that convey crude and gas to Eleme and Bonny respectively, belonging to the Nigeria Agip Oil Company, spread to other similar tanks within the perimeter fence of the tank, thereby resulting to big fire and unimaginable noise.
”The eventual effect of the explosion on the entire ecological systems can’t be over-emphasised. The quality of air and drinking water around the locality is obviously threatened,” he stated.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after the sitting, Uwaji expressed hope that the committee would come out with a report that will put oil companies on their toes.
The lawmaker commended the House for approving the prayers of the motion, saying the people of ONELGA have suffered hardship due to the exploration and exploitation activities in the area.
It would be recalled that AGIP in a statement had said that the explosion have affected about 200,000 bpd production.