Delta State Government, has threatened to invoke environmental laws against Continental Oil and Gas Limited, as a result of the company’s perceived nonchalance regarding oil spill that reportedly occurred three weeks ago, at Aja-Osolo Community in Warri South Local Government Area.
Delta State Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Jamani T. Ejiro, handed down the warning Monday December 16, when the Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, Comr. Agbateyiniro Weyinmi Isaac, took him on an inspection visit at Aja-Osolo Community.
Hon. Ejiro, who was visibly shocked at the extent of damage the oil spill, has caused to aquatic lives, investment in livestock and health hazard to human lives, noted: “We received a petition against Continental Oil and Gas Nigeria Limited, from Aja-Osolo people three weeks ago on the oil spill allegedly caused by the company and the cause of spill is yet unknown.
“The company involved, is supposed to invite us for Joint Investigation Visit, JIV. All oil companies operating in Delta State, have my contact and email, once issues of oil spills occur, they send email to us to be part of JIV.
“As at the time of this visit to the impacted community, I haven’t received email or any correspondence from the company involved.”
Whilst assuring that the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, won’t abandon people of Aja-Osolo community and the oil spill won’t be swept under the carpet, the Commissioner, appealed to people Aja-Osolo to remain calm, saying they will hear from the state government between Wednesday and Thursday this week.
Credit: Fresh Angle