Brave Dickson
A suit seeking to compel the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Hydrocarbon Pollution and Remediation Project to give a judicious account of the 10 million dollar take-off grant for the clean up of oil-impacted sites in Ogoniland has suffered setbacks due to defendants’ absence in court.
The matter which was billed for mention at a federal high court sitting in Port Harcourt could not go on, Monday as lack of proper service on the defendants was largely responsible for their absence in court.
Addressing newsmen shortly after the suit was adjourned till January 22, 2019, for further mention, the plaintiff and President, Ogoni Youth Federation, Legborsi Yamaabana said they are in court because of the controversy surrounding the 10 million dollars take-off grant.
Yamaabana also said all legitimate efforts prior to the suit through writing to get the Federal Ministry of Environment and HYPREP to account for the money hit brick walls.
“We felt the money has not been judiciously utilized. Most worrisome is the fact that the Federal Ministry of Environment and HYPREP have refused to be transparent over the money.
“And we are talking about an environmental issue that has been killing our people slowly through the drinking of contaminated water and the inhalation of polluted air among others.
“We felt since the defendants in this suit don’t want to expose the state of the money, we can get justice through the court and that is why we are there, “Yamaabana added.
Recalled that the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria through its General Manager, Internal Relations, Mr Igo Weli had explained that funds that would be used for the clean – up of Ogoniland would be available based on the Joint Venture and budgeting process with the Federal Government.
Weli who dropped the hint while briefing journalists said the Federal Government through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation would make available 55 percent of the fund while Shell would provide 30 percent, adding that the Total Exploration and Production was expected to contribute 10 percent of the funding for the clean – up of Ogoniland while Eni’ s Agip would provide five percent.
