Oil pollution: Social Action frowns at delay tactics

By Femi Folaranmi

An environmental justice group, Social Action, has lamented the alleged delay tactics being employed to frustrate the suit filed by the Ekpetiama Kingdom against Shell in Bayelsa after years of oil pollution.

Social Action and the Health of Mother Earth Foundation are collaborating with the Ekpetiama Kingdom, led by King Bubaraye Dakolo, to seek justice from Shell over its divestment after years of environmental degradation without compensation for the people.

The Resource Justice Manager at Social Action, Dr. Prince Ekpere Edegbuo lamented the delay tactics and tasked the Attorney-General of the Federation to ensure representation at the next court sitting.

‘’What has happened is unfortunate. The office of the Attorney General, which is staffed by a team of Lawyers, cannot appear in court and instead requests an adjournment. This is the game the office is playing with Shell, using delay tactics. For communities that lack the resources for such cases, they often let go, and oil companies operating in the Niger Delta have been running away from the responsibilities and liabilities they have left behind. The Nigerian government should show particular concern for the people and communities of the Niger Delta. We call on the office of the Attorney General to ensure that adequate arrangements are made to appear on the next adjourned date of May.’’

Justice Ayo Emmanuel had, in the suit FHC/YNG/CS/81/2025, granted an adjournment to May 6 to the motion of preliminary objection by Shell.