The Ekid people, through their umbrella organisation, the Ekid People’s Union (EPU), have called on the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), the Ministry of Environment, and all other relevant agencies to speedily and transparently investigate the recent massive oil spill on the Ekid coastline for adequate compensation.
In a press statement signed by its national president, Dr. Samuel Udonsak, and Secretary General, Barrister Bassey Dan Abia Jr., the people said that:
“The effect of the massive oil spill of last week, in which our Ekid youths protested, still remains conspicuous along our coastline, which stretches from about longitude 7 degrees 53 minutes to 8 degrees 19 minutes east. The harmful effects of this oil spill on human life, marine life and our entire ecosystem cannot be overemphasised.”
According to the statement, the Ekid people, being law-abiding citizens, are requesting adequate compensation to mitigate the negative impact of the spill.
“Accordingly, we urge the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA}), the Ministry of Environment, and all other relevant agencies to speedily and transparently investigate the cause and magnitude of the spill, as well as a compulsory fingerprinting of the spilt oil to identify the culprit IOCs.”
The press statement further said that Ekid people, as host communities, have been very understanding and cooperative with the IOCs over the years in their hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation activities but would not be weak in standing up for their rights.
“Meanwhile, we urge the relevant regulatory agencies to direct immediate cleanup of the environment by those responsible,” it stated.
Read Also:
We Are Ibibios: Ekid Leaders, Stakeholders Affirm Ibibio Lineage
Poverty: Nigeria Has No Excuse Considering Huge Mineral Endowments – Senator Sampson
