Host communities call for audit of Eroton’s OML18 spill

Adebayo Obajemu

Host communities to OML18 have once again called on the Federal Government to pay unscheduled visit to the scene of the ongoing Cawthorne Channel well15 blowout, operated by Eroton Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The communities urged the Minister of Petroleum Resources and the Minister of Environment, as well as industry regulators to come to the area and conduct an audit on the damages being done to the environment by Eroton.

Speaking on behalf of the host communities, an activist and former voice of the Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum, Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, stated that the audit was imperative and critical so as to get clear on-hand assignment of the damage and make provisions to compensate the host communities.

He also hinted on the need for the Rivers State government to visit in order to provide relief materials to the people since it is the government that collects the 13 percent derivative on behalf of the host communities.

He warned that failure of the Federal and State Government and the management of Eroton to visit the area, will amount to insensitivity to the plight of the people.

“I am calling on the Minister of Environment and the Minister of Petroleum Resources to visit the area to carry out audit of the spillage. Just like Chief Timipre Sylva visited OMl29 blowout incident when it occurred.

“Failure to do so will mean that the federal government is being insensitive to the plight of the Niger Delta people.

“I am also calling on the Rivers State governor to visit that place and the immediate host community. He is the one receiving 13percent derivative on behalf host communities. Let them come and see how 13 percent has affected the people.”