A group under the aegis of Akwa Ibom Oil Producing Community Development Network, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the alarming rate of oil and gas pollution occasioned by the activities of oil and gas companies operating in the state.
The President General of the group, Dr Ufot Phenson, made the plea at a stakeholders’ meeting of the organisation held in Uyo, last Friday to appraise the negative economic activities of oil and gas companies.
Phenson lamented that the incessant oil spillages, unmindful flaring of noxious hydrocarbon emission and discharges into the environment had negatively impacted on the environment and water sources of the oil producing communities.
He also alleged that the release of large volumes of toxic fumes/chemical had led to serious health issues, including skin rashes, like psoriasis, dermatitis, eye irritation, respiratory diseases like chronic obtrusive pulmonary disease, bronchitis, asthma, cardiovascular disease, hypertensive heart disease, which was never experienced in the past in the community.
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According to him, communities of Ibeno, Eket, Esit-Eket, Onna, Eastern Obolo, Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin,Okobo, Oron, Mbo, Urue Offong/Oruko, Urung Uko, Uruan, Itu, Ibiono Ibom and other local government areas that have been greatly affected.
He said, “The People of Akwa Ibom State comprising mostly the farmers, fishermen and allied business operators in the 31 local government areas of the state have cried out in a loud voice to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to come to our aid and stop the alarming rate of oil and gas pollution occasioned by the activities of oil and gas companies operating in the state for decades now.
“These have affected human rights, farm lands, air, vegetation, soil, human health, water bodies, roof tops of buildings and real estate business and other means of livelihood of the people in the state.”
While lamenting that the affected communities have suffered huge financial losses as their traditional occupations such as farming, fishing, hunting and allied businesses are no longer viable due to environmental pollution, Phenson demanded adequate compensation to be paid to the communities.
