From Tony John, Port Harcourt
Iniruo Wills, a former Bayelsa State Commissioner for Environment and environmental activist, has accused Niger Delta governors, ministers, and senators of abetting the region’s ongoing environmental pollution.
Wills made the assertion at a legal and environmental experts’ roundtable organised by “We The People” in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He emphasised that political leaders in the region have prioritised personal interests over addressing the pollution crisis.
“It is surprising that no state government in the Niger Delta is taking serious action to end the pollution,” Wills stated. “Individuals in positions of power, such as governors, senators, and ministers from the Niger Delta, have refused to act.”
He stressed that the pollution continues because these leaders do not prioritise the well-being of the people they represent. He cited the examples of Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara and Bayelsa State Governor Duoyi Diri, emphasising that their inaction allows pollution to persist.
“The day a governor in the Niger Delta prioritises the people and deploys resources to address this issue, the madness will end,” Wills declared.
Ken Henshaw, Executive Director of We The People, highlighted the urgency of holding international oil companies accountable for environmental damage before they divest their assets. He expressed concern that pursuing accountability after their departure would be challenging.
“Since 2020, international oil companies have been selling off their assets in the Niger Delta,” Henshaw explained. “We are concerned about the difficulty of holding them accountable once they leave.”
He emphasised the detrimental impact of oil and gas extraction on the region, including gas flaring, oil spills, and ecological damage. He stressed the need to assess the extent of the damage and hold the responsible companies accountable.
Professor Ibiba Lucky Worika, a specialist in Petroleum and International Law and Policy at the University of Port Harcourt, urged the Federal Government to exercise caution in ratifying the oil companies’ asset divestment. He advised the government to ensure that the companies address historical pollution and environmental concerns before being allowed to leave.