Koluama Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State has accused Chevron, an oil firm operating in their environment, of trying to cover up the pollutions resulting from the leakage of one of their facilities that has greatly affected them.
The community is claiming that there was no gas/crude oil leakage from where last year’s January spillage that occurred; saying that, they have moral obligation to prove that there was no spillage at the place.
“Even today, we challenge Chevron Nigeria Limited to carry the world press to come to Koluama and tour the sea shore to verify their claim that no oil spill occurred.”
One Mr. Pressman told journalists in Yenagoa on phone that he was at the scene and saw chemical coated with the crude oil. “I’m on top of it now. What are they denying when the chemical that has coated the crude oil is visible.
Let them come with government officials, NOSDRA and other relevant agencies to prove their point that there was no oil spill here in the Atlantic Ocean whether they will not be embarrassed of their claim”.
He alleged that the present activities in the area have caused colossal damages to his people.
Eng. Ebrasin Leghemo, General Secretary, Koluama Youth Organization, while confirming the incident alleged that the company had been using divide and rule tactic to exploit the people and therefore denied the people effective development.
“If you come to Koluama 1 and 2 including other areas Chevron has not provided us with good Health Center or Cottage Hospital to take care of the sick, no pipe-borne water if there is any, let Chevron tell Nigerians. This is a challenge on them.We are waiting for them to come with Nigerian Press to ascertain who is telling lies”.
However, in reactions to the allegation Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), operator of the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture, described as false any report of spill in its Funiwa Field located in CNL’s Eastern Operational areas, in Bayelsa State of Nigeria.
Deji Haastrup, General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs; in a statement made available to journalists online said “Any report of spill in our CNL Funiwa Field is false in its entirety and we advise all enquiries about CNL operations to be directed to us instead of third parties.”
Haastrup said that this clarification has become necessary in view of reports by some news media alleging that there has been a spill in CNL’s Funiwa Field.
He emphasized that CNL conducts its operations to ensure the safety of the people and the environment at all times.
“CNL reiterates its commitment to effective environmental management in line with one of its core values of protecting people and the environment in all its operations,” Haastrup said.