The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations of Nigeria in Akwa Ibom State has made a call to the Rivers State Government and the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency and other relevant agencies to address the environmental issues posed by the prolonged oil spill in Bukuma waterways in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The call was made at a media briefing in Uyo by the State Director of the Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network, Franklyn Isong on behalf of other CSOs on Thursday.
It was learnt that a massive oil spill from the wellhead of Oil Mining Lease 15, a facility said to be operated by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited ignited a fire that destroyed aquatic life in Bukuma, Asari-Tolu Local Government Area of the state.
In reaction, Isong, who highlighted the coalition’s commitment to the sustenance of democracy and good governance, across Nigeria, lamented that the spill has not only posed a dangerous environmental hazard and threat to the people but has also violated their right to a healthy environment and good quality of life.
He said ” The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations Of Nigeria (CCSON) expresses concern on the prolonged oil spill that occurred in Bukuma waterways.
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“This coastal oil well and facility are said to be operated by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited. CCSON notes that this incident has posed a dangerous environmental hazard and threat to the people of Bukuma and violates their right to a healthy environment and a good quality of life.
“CCSON urges the Federal Government of Nigeria, particularly the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, the Government of Rivers State, and other relevant agencies to urgently address the situation.”
Speaking on security, Isong commended the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and heads of other security agencies for ensuring a peaceful, especially during the festive periods, and urged them to sustain the tempo.
He also tasked the federal government to dualise all federal highways in the South-South Region, especially the Calabar-Itu Highway and the Port Harcourt- Eleme Ikot- Abasi Highway among others.
“CCSON urges the Federal Government of Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu to, as a matter of urgency dualise all federal highways in the South-South (Niger Delta) region, especially the Calabar-Itu Highway; Port Harcourt-Eleme-Ikot Abasi Highway; and Ikot Ekpene-Aba-Umuahia Highway” Isong stated.
He also expressed concern about the lingering political conflict in Rivers State between the incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and former governor, Nyesom Wike.
“CCSON notes the lingering political conflict in Rivers State and urges political leaders in the State, particularly, the Governor, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to embrace peace and work together for the growth and development of Rivers state and its people,” Isong added.
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