Ministry Assures Rig Explosion Victims Of Support …As Communities Seek Redress In US Court

The Baylesa Com
missioner for Environment, Mr Inuruo Wills,  has assured of the state government’s support towards the rehabilitation of communities affected by the January 16, 2012 KS Endeavour  rig explosion in Chevron’s oil field in theState.
The commissioner, who said this during a courtesy call on him by the impacted communities, regretted that four years after the incident the victims were yet to get justice.
He commended the steps being taken by the impacted communities and pledged the support of the state government to them.
Speaking during the visit, Mr Alagoa Morries, who is also the coordinator of the communities said that the visit was to solicited the support of the state government in the on-going legal action which the communities have already taken. Mr Morris said that the communities commenced the legal action against Chevron in San Francisco in December 9, 2015 and commended the Bayelsa State Ministry of Environment for its effort so far in assisting the impacted communities to recover from the effect of the explosion, but urged for more assistance for the victims in their quests to get justice .
“The lead plaintiffs thought it wise to pay you this advocacy visit, to formally inform you about the on-going cases in the US.  We also want to interact with you, especially as your ministry also carried out some investigation on the incident.
“Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State   visited Koluama 2 Town Hall on February 27 and made a pledge to set up technical and legal committees on the rig explosion to ensure that Chevron was held accountable for the disaster.
“It is the belief of the lead plaintiffs that the government meant well and made those laudable pledges in good faith.
“We are here to seek assistance from the State government through your ministry’, Morris said.