By Salif Atojoko

A group of Ijaw stakeholders headed by Sen. Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa, is seeking reparation for environmental pollution caused by oil companies operating in the state.

Diri said the group made the demand through the Bayelsa Oil and Pollution Commission report titled: “An Environmental Genocide: Counting the Human and Environmental Cost of Oil in Bayelsa, Nigeria,” presented to the President.

Diri said this while speaking with State House correspondents, after a visit to President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday.

He said, the report prepared by the Bayelsa State Oil & Environmental Commission, outlined the challenges Bayelsa communities faced due to oil spills and environmental degradation.

“We seek your support in implementing comprehensive strategies for remediation and reparation regarding the estimated 25 per cent environmental burden we have borne over the years.

“We believe that addressing these concerns will further strengthen the collaboration between Bayelsa State and the Federal Government, promoting sustainable development and prosperity for our communities.

“We are eager for the opportunity to engage with you on these matters and explore pathways to mutual growth,” said the governor.

He said he had earlier invited the President to inaugurate the Sagbama-Ekeremor Road, a federal project, and to perform the groundbreaking ceremony for the Ekeremor-Agge Road, which would connect the state to the Atlantic Ocean and boost the Blue Economy.

He suggested that the Federal Government should apply the Companies Income Tax (Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit scheme) for the actualisation of Nembe-Brass Road, another federal road.

He said the Bayelsa State Government had advanced work on the first phase of the 21 kilometer road with 10 bridges.

“This road is essential for creating access to the Brass terminal, for ease of moving agricultural produce to the capital and outside the state as well as enhancing mobility in the region.

“The Brass Island hosts significant establishments such as the Brass Liquefied Natural Gas Project, Brass Fertilizer & Petrochemical Company Ltd., and International Oil Companies,” said Diri.

The governor commended Tinubu for his vision and boldness in initiating the construction of the 700-kilometer Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Project.

He said the road was designed to enhance connectivity between the south-west and south-south regions of Nigeria and improve cross-country trade relations.

“We are pleased that this highway will traverse Bayelsa State along with Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom States, before concluding in Calabar.

“We kindly request that construction commences simultaneously from the south-south end as it has started from the south-west,” he said.

He requested the support of the President in expediting the completion of the East-West Road.

He said the road was critical for connectivity and economic development of the Niger Delta region.

He said the rehabilitation of the road had faced significant delays, hence the request for support to complete the road.

Diri said he appreciated the President for appointing Dame Didi Walson-Jack, a daughter of Bayelsa, to the position of Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

“It is a cherished tradition among the Izon people to express such indebtedness, physically, with elders of our land.

“This appointment not only underscores your investment in Bayelsa State’s human capital but also reinforces our sense of belonging and representation at the national level.

“We are thankful, Your Excellency, for your understanding in granting us this audience. Thank you, Your Excellency and thank you again and again. As we say it in Izon language – mbana,” said the governor. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma