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Akwa Ibom Assembly Seeks Probe, Cleanup Of Reported Oil Spill In Eastern Obolo
Akwa Ibom Assembly Seeks Probe, Cleanup Of Reported Oil Spill In Eastern Obolo
Akwa Ibom Assembly calls for urgent investigation into reported oil spill affecting fishing communities in Eastern Obolo.
Lawmakers ask NOSDRA to establish the source of the spill and identify the responsible oil company.
House seeks immediate containment, environmental remediation and compensation for affected communities.
Speaker Udeme Otong refers the matter to the House Committee on Petroleum Resources.
November 4, () – The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has called for an urgent investigation and environmental remediation of a reported oil spill affecting fishing communities in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area.
The Assembly’s intervention followed a Matter of Urgent Public Importance raised during plenary by the member representing Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo State Constituency, Mrs Selina Ukpatu, over the potential threat to aquatic resources, public health and the livelihoods of residents.
The motion was presented by the member representing Ini State Constituency, Mr Lawrence Udoide, and seconded by the member representing Mkpat Enin State Constituency, Mr Uwem Imoh-Ita.
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Ukpatu warned that the reported spill could contaminate fishing waters, endanger aquatic life and undermine the economic survival of communities that depend largely on fishing and other water-related activities.
She urged the Assembly to prevail on the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to investigate the incident, determine its source, identify the responsible oil company and ensure immediate containment.
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The lawmaker also called for comprehensive environmental remediation to address possible contamination, safeguard public health and restore the ecological integrity of affected areas.
Beyond the immediate response, Ukpatu urged the House to mandate its relevant committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that any company found culpable bears the cost of environmental cleanup.
She further demanded compensation for affected communities, particularly residents who may have suffered economic losses as a result of the reported pollution.
Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly
Responding, the Speaker of the House, Elder Udeme Otong, referred the matter to the House Committee on Petroleum Resources for further legislative action.
The proposed investigation is expected to establish the nature and extent of the reported pollution, determine its source and identify the appropriate measures required to protect affected communities and restore the environment.
The intervention comes amid persistent concerns over environmental pollution in oil-producing communities of the Niger Delta, where contamination of water bodies threatens fishing, food security and other sources of livelihood.
However, the reported spill, its source, the extent of environmental damage and any company’s responsibility are yet to be independently established, pending investigations by the relevant regulatory authorities and the Assembly’s committee.
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