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From Tony John, Port Harcourt
Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has pledged swift action to tackle the gas leakage and environmental pollution affecting the Bille community in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of the state.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance on Monday, while addressing a group of peaceful protesters who were at Government House in Port Harcourt to draw government’s attention to the plight of the Bille people and other oil and gas bearing communities across the Niger Delta.
The delegation comprised members of two non- governmental organisations namely, the Pilex Centre for Civic Education Initiative (PCCEI) and Lekeh Development Foundation (LDF).
The governor, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Honour Sirawoo, assured the demonstrators that their grievances would receive immediate attention, considering the impact of the gas leakage on their environment and the livelihoods of the people.
Governor Fubara commended the protesters for maintaining peace and orderliness in spite of the environmental challenges in their community and the economic hardships the situation has imposed on them.
He acknowledged that the challenges facing the community were enough to provoke violent demonstrations, and commended them for choosing the path of peace.
“Let me commend this delegation for toeing the path of peace. Of course from what you listed here, it was enough for you to start a violent demonstration because a situation where people can no longer drink water, they can’t fish, they can’t carry out some legitimate activities because of pollution, calls for serious action. But you chose the path of peace.
“Be assured that the Rivers State Government has a responsibility to protect the lives and property of our people and this issue is not one that will be swept under the carpet,” he said.
According to Governor Fubara, safeguarding the environment remained a top priority of the government as that was the only way farming and fishing, which are the main stay of the local economy in these coastal communities, can be sustained.
Leader of the delegation and Coordinator of the PIILEX Centre for Civic Education Initiative, Mr Courage Nsirimovu, had earlier disclosed that the gas leakage had created an ecological and public health crisis in Bille community.
Nsirimovu stressed that Bille was not alone, as several other communities, including Rukpokwu, Ebubu, and Elelenwo were also suffering from similar environmental issues.
The delegation demanded the immediate relocation of the people of Bille from the polluted environment, just as they called for total transparency regarding the application of remediation funds under the Petroleum Industry Act.
