Niger Delta: Reps begin probe of oil spill fund

From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja

The House of Representatives has commenced the investigation of alleged mismanagement of oil spill clean-up funds in the Niger Delta.

The speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, while speaking at the inaugural session of the probe panel, said the investigation is imperative to find answers to critical questions of the clean up of oil spill in the Niger Delta.

Abbas, represented by the Chief Whip, Bello Kumo, said the Parliament is committed to ascertaining the capacity of those saddled with the exercise and how fund appropriated for the Clean up had been expended.

According to him,” we must equally understand what was involved in the entire funds dedicated for the clean-up, and finally, we must, as a Committee, find out whether there was accountability in the process of the management of the clean-up funds.

“If we can understand these, we can provide a solution. I’m convinced that the members here can be fair, just, and balanced in your report.

The chairman of the House Ad-hoc Committee on probing allegations of mismanagement of Oil Spill Clean-Up funds in the Niger Delta, Okpolupm Etteh, in his speech is a reflection of the House’s commitment environmental justice and responsible management of public resources.

The lawmaker noted that “the Niger Delta has faced years of environmental degradation and untold damage due to oil exploration and frequent spills. In response, various government agencies have been created or assigned the responsibility of conducting environmental remediation and clean-up operations.

“Unfortunately, troubling reports of alleged mismanagement, inefficiency, and poor coordination have overshadowed these initiatives. Funds allocated for clean-up efforts have not produced the anticipated outcomes, leaving communities still affected, livelihoods in jeopardy, and public trust diminished.”