By Disun Amosun
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Abbas Tajudeen has warned of dire legislative consequences should oil spillage and other environmental degradation by exploring oil companies continue unabated in the Niger Delta region while their chief executives continue to avoid appearing before relevant House Committees to explain inadequacies responsible for such incidences.
Abbas stated this Tuesday in an opening remark at the commencement of investigative hearings into causes of the recurring environmental degradation of Nigeria’s oil rich region and how best to permanently curb the devastation.
The Speaker noted that the deluge of petitions and complaints received by the People’s House is becoming unbearable, considering the devastating effects on the livelihood and health of residents on the area.
This is just as the joint House of Representatives Committee on Environment and Petroleum Resources (Upstream), and (Downstream) again summoned the Managing Directors of Aiteo E & P Company, Victor Okoronkwo and Nigerian Agip Oil (now Oando Ltd Bolondi Fabrizio to appear within 7 days over oil spillage at Olugboboro community in Southern Ijaw.
The Committee expressed displeasure over refusal by the oil companies’ executives to appear before it after three consecutive invitations which were ignored.
The Speaker was represented on the occasion by the Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Ibrahim Kumo.
The Joint Committee Chairman, Hon. Pondi Gbabador gave its mandate as investigating activities and the operations of Aiteo E & P Company and Nigerian Agip Oil Company (now Oando Oil Ltd).
According to him, these companies’ allegedly portend grave environmental consequences in their host communities and, by extension, the nation as a whole.
Hon. Gbabojor said that the oil industry plays a critical role in the economic development of the country, adding that it contributes significantly to the national income, provides employment, and supports infrastructure development in various regions.
He however emphasized that the contribution by the oil companies shouldn’t come at the cost of the health, well-being, and livelihood of the people in the host communities, nor the expense of the environment. Speaking at the meeting, Rofikat Odetoro who represented the ministry of Environment said the Environmental Impact Assessment Approval issued by the ministry stipulated that the crude oil from Aetio oil fields should be evacuated through pipelines and not through barges as is currently practiced by the company.
She painted a gloomy picture of the effects of spillage on children, who now as a result of developing cyanosis, it is not uncommon to see 8-month-old children wearing eye glasses. Unlike before, I now develop a fatty liver.
The meeting then resolved that Aetio should submit to the Ministry within two weeks the technical details, video clips and other relevant documents in the project process that will enable members to make informed decisions that will be in the overall interest of Nigerians.