Duoye Diri The final report of the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission (BSOEC) has been released in the House of Lords in the UK with a recommendation for the immediate clean up of oil polluted sites across the State.
The Chairman of the Commission, The Rt. Rev. and Rt. Hon., the Lord John Sentamu, who presented the 211-page report to Governor Douye Diri in London, said the polluted areas would require the sum of 12 billion dollars for the clean up for a period of 12 years.
The report puts the blame of the long years of environmental degradation at the door steps of the oil multinationals and regulators insisting that Bayelsa State deserves environmental justice to ensure sustainability.
The report made far reaching recommendations as a comprehensive clean up and recovery plan, provide access to new compensation mechanism, establish expanded role for state government in fighting oil pollution and establish a legally binding, effective legacy and decommissioning regime.
In the delegation of the governor to the presentation were the former Military Administrator of Bayelsa State, Col. Paul Edor Obi (Rtd), Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers and Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, King Bubaraye Dakolo and the Amanyanabo of Okpoama Kingdom, King Ebitimi Banigo.
Governor Diri on the occasion assured that his administration would follow up the report with speedy implementation as to give succour to the affected people.
"It is our expectation that this report will provide the basis for the urgent and concrete action needed to address the monumental environmental devastation that has ravaged our state for decades as well as guarantee the survival and livelihood of this and future generations of Bayelsans.
"We look forward to seeing the recommendations that the Commission proposes for a better future for Bayelsa, the Niger Delta and all of humanity."
Gov. Diri continued:"The oil and gas industry is a vital economic sector for our state, our country and the global community. So we will always strive for a harmonious relationship between the oil companies and the state government. However, we do believe that there are opportunities for the oil companies and regulators to do so much better to save our land from the impact of pollution and secure the livelihoods of our people.
I, therefore, on behalf of the government and people of Bayelsa State, pledge our commitment to act decisively and speedily on the recommendations of this report that has been painstakingly put together. In doing so, we remain open to robust and genuine engagements with all stakeholders", he stated.
Category: World-News
Tag: Bayelsa news
Written by Omooba Alekuwodo (omoobaalekuwodo)
Published 5/18/2023 8:14:16 AM