Delta deputy governor raises the alarm to military’s pollution of environment

Deputy Governor of Delta State, Kingsley Burutu Otuaro has lamented
continued destruction of Niger Delta environment by the military through
demolition of seized vessels laden with illegally bunkered crude oil.

While seeking an end to the menace, Otuato said the unending pollution by
security agencies required national discourse for a lasting solution in
view of its devastating effects.

Angered by protests in the affected communities, Otuaro, who is also
Chairman Delta State Advocacy Committee Against Vandalism of Oil and Gas
Facilities, embarked on an aerial surveillance of the areas polluted by
spills from exploded vessels in Warri North and Warri South-West local
councils.

Addressing the protesters who ambushed him at Okerenkoko, Otuaro said,
“The advocacy committee set up by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has the mandate of
ensuring that the oil production environment is safe.

“We heard complaints that the security agents have contributed to
environmental despoliation resulting from spills via their destruction of
illegal crude oil vessels.

“I visited Olero and Macaraba areas and what we saw is worrisome. It is
an ill wind that blows nobody any good. The statutory responsibility of
security agents is to protect oil facilities and prevent illegal bunkering.

“Their destruction of illegal crude oil vessels in the waterways with
concomitant despoliation of the environment that supports livelihood of the
people has worsened environmental hazards and the style does not conform to
global best practices.

“I think the security agents destroying the illegal crude oil vessels
think they have no alternative to what they are doing. But I think the
solution would require a national discourse that would involve them. Their
practice is unacceptable.”

He however, urged the protesters to be patient as government prepares to
find a resolution to this environmental problem, insisting that government
needed to think through the problem that has endangered and pauperised
Delta people.

While urging the Federal Government to salvage the situation, a women
community leader in the area, Mrs. Ebiasuode Aramisi said, “The burning of
oil vessels have affected us greatly as our rivers have been polluted
beyond normal. We can no longer fish. We are hungry because our source of
livelihood has been destroyed.”

Speaking, Chairman of Okerenkoko Federated Community, Kingsley Oturubo,
pointed out that spills from crude oil laden vessels destroyed by security
agents has gone into waters had polluted rivers.

“To that extent, fishing activities have become unproductive. The
development has caused untold hardship that can make a people go into
extinction,” he added.