By Adedapo Adesanya
The House of Representatives has commenced investigation into the alleged involvement of Addax Petroleum Nigeria Limited and Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Company in oil spills in Rivers State.
Business Post had reported that three Kalabari Local Government Areas of Degema, Asari-Toru and Akuku-Toru of the state had petitioned the two oil firms over their activities in Rivers State.
The petition was laid on the floor of the House of Representatives by the member representing Degema/Bonny Federal Constituency, Mr Farah Dagogo.
The Amanyanabo of Kalabari, Professor T.J.T Princewill, through Mr Tubotamuno Dick, accused Addax Petroleum Nigeria Limited of “brazen disregard and disrespect to Kalabari people” with its activities in OML126 and OML137 oil fields.
The monarch in the petition explained that Addax has refused to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the host communities.
It warned of a likely breakdown of law and order in the said oil fields, explaining that the oil exploration activities by Addax have continued to threaten their source of livelihood and the kingdom as a whole.
“We have done everything humanly possible as law-abiding citizens to make Addax Petroleum Nigeria Limited see reasons and execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kalabari Kingdom as a way of ensuring a peaceful working environment of mutual benefits to all but will appear that Addax Petroleum Nigeria will have none of it, and has gone ahead to disrespect Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of Kalabari Kingdom,” a part of the petition read.
Similarly, the Kalabari Frontiers wants the House of Reps to mandate Aiteo to provide relief materials to the Kalabari Communities affected by their outrageous crude oil spill in well 1, OML 29, Santa Barbara Oil Field.
The petition signed by the parties – Alabo Fiala Okoye-Davies, Chief Fiala Tuboalabo Fiala, Chief Flag Amakiri, Mr Japusoibina Ekine, and Ibimina Victor Osoma, also requested for effective remediation plan be put in place for mitigation of the polluted region in line with global best practices, international standards and technical expertise’
“Compensation, water rights and individual claims be made payable to thousands of those economically displaced,” the petition further stated.
In his reaction, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, directed the House Committee on Petitions to investigate the allegations and revert to the House.
Modupe Gbadeyanka