Mkpoikana Udoma
12 February 2019, Sweetcrude, Port Harcourt — Youths from Koluama II, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, have opted for an out-of-court settlement of conflicts over the gas explosion which occurred in 2012 from an oil field belonging to Chevron Nigeria Limited, seven years ago.
Recall that in January 2012, explosion sparked off fire from Chevron’s KS Endeavour Rig in Funiwa oil field which burnt for over 50 days, destroying the ecosystem of the area, its flora and fauna, before it was put out.
Victims of the Chevron’s Rig Explosion had in September 2015 dragged the oil firm to a San Francisco court in the United States America where the hearing has been ongoing.
But the youths of Koluama in a letter to the Commanding Officer of Front Operations Naval Base Koluama II, said the community wishes to resolve the lingering litigation through meaningful dialogue and move on.
Speaking under the aegis of Koluama Clan Youth Presidents Forum, KCYPF, the youths said that they plan to table the peace deal before officials of Chevron Nigeria Limited at the Funiwa 5 well operated by Chevron in the area.
The letter was signed by the Youth President of Koluama II, Mr.Digba Ikiotimi, and Women Leader Koluama II, Mrs.Perewari Boghomem, said since 2012 till date, the company has not taken a step to ameliorate the suffering of the affected people.
According to the letter, “The disaster destroyed our environment and the entire ecosystem which is our means of survival.
“It is sad to note that after seven years of patience, the Chevron/NNPC Joint Venture has not taken reasonable steps to resolve a salient issue affecting the lives and survival of her host communities.
“In view of the above, based on the overwhelming need to act now that we are still alive, the youths of Koluama have resolved that a multi-stakeholders committee is set up to resolve the issue without any further delay.
“The anticipated multi-stakeholder committee ought to include representatives from; Lead plaintiffs/counsels (legal) from every legal action against Chevron/NNPC home and abroad, Chevron representatives, government representatives,” the letter read in part.
The youth group also explained that members of the proposed committee should include representatives of individual claimants as well as community representatives.
