By Mark Lenu
The Defence For Human Rights And Democracy (DHRD) has threatened legal actions against relevant agencies and institutions responsible for the clean up of the oil spill that occurred within the coastal axis of Bukuma in Degema LGA of Rivers State.
The Chairman of DHRD, Comrade Clifford Christopher Solomon who made this known in a statement he made available to our correspondent on Tuesday also issued a 7-day ultimatum, adding that the spill had been unattended to for too long.
He said: “The Defence For Human Rights And Democracy (DHRD) has noted with much concern regarding the prolonged oil spill that occurred in Bukuma water ways in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.
“This coastal oil well and facility is being operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
“This incident is a serious environmental threat and a violation of the people’s right to life. “Regrettably, this incident has gone on for too long, and based on this avoidable spill, the sources of livelihood of the aborigines have been completely destroyed.
“The Defence For Human Rights And Democracy is calling on the Federal Government of Nigeria, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), The Rivers State Government, National Oil Spill Detection And Response Agency (NOSDRA) and all other relevant agencies to as a matter of emergency, quickly respond to stop further spill, remediate, restore the environment and pay adequate compensation to the affected communities or face several protest and legal actions.
“The Niger Delta region for several decades has faced environmental degradation and all manner of hazards which have consequently reduced the life span of the people and their sources of livelihood.
“If this call is not heeded within 7 days, then we will have no choice other than to embark on mass protest and institute legal actions.”
