Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The House of Representatives has commenced investigation into activities of Addax Petroleum Nigeria Limited and Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Company, over negative impact of oil spills and disregard for Memorandum of Understanding in Rivers State.
The two oil firms, Addax and Aiteo were petitioned over their activities in the three Kalabari Local Government Areas of Degema, Asari-Toru and Akuku-Toru of the State by the Amanyanabo of Kalabari Kingdom and the Kalabari Frontiers.
The petition was laid on the floor of the House of Representatives by the member representing Degema/Bonny Federal Constituency, Hon. Doctor Farah Dagogo.
The Amanyanabo of Kalabari, Prof. T.J.T Princewill, through HRH (Barr.) Tubotamuno Dick, accused Addax Petroleum Nigeria Limited of brazen disregard and disrespect to Kalabari people with its activities in OML126 and OML137 oil fields.
The monarch in the petition explained that Addax has refused to enter into an MoU with the host communities, warned of a likely breakdown of law and order in the said oil fields, explaining that the oil exploration activities by Addax have continued to threaten their source of livelihood and the kingdom as a whole.
“We have done everything humanly possible as law abiding citizens to make Addax Petroleum Nigeria Limited see reasons and execute a Memorandum of Understanding with Kalabari Kingdom as a way of ensuring a peaceful working environment of mutual benefits to all but will appear that Addax Petroleum Nigeria will have none of it, and has gone ahead to disrespect Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of Kalabari Kingdom,” a part of the petition reads.
Similarly, the Kalabari Frontiers wants the House of Reps to mandate Aiteo to provide relief materials to the Kalabari Communities affected by their outrageous crude oil spill in well 1, OML 29, Santa Barbara Oil Field.
The petition signed by ; Alabo Fiala Okoye-Davies, Chief Fiala Tuboalabo Fiala, Chief Flag Amakiri, Hon. Japusoibina Ekine and Ibimina Victor Osoma, also requested for effective remediation plan be put in place for mitigation of the polluted region in line with global best practices, international standards and technical expertise’
“Compensation, water rights and individual claims be made payable to thousands of those economically displaced,” the petition further reads.”
In his ruling, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, directed the House Committee on Petitions to investigate the allegations and revert to the House.
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