Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has blamed the pollution of the environment on oil firms operating in the Niger Delta region, News About Nigeria reports.
While speaking at the Annual Convention and Fund Raising of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) of the Americas held in Houston, Texas, USA, during the weekend, he noted that the continuous exploration and production of crude oil and gas, while neglecting the environment, have led to the destruction of the flora and fauna in the region.
According to him, oil and gas companies operating in the state should invest in environmental restoration.
The convention, which was themed ‘Ijaw Nation: Nurturing Partnership through Symbiotic Relationships Towards Homeland, Social, and Economic Development’, seemed to raise relevant relationships and partnerships that will be beneficial in developing the Niger Delta region.
The governor, therefore, called on indigenes of the state in the diaspora to support the government’s efforts, targeted at tackling environmental and other problems in Bayelsa State.
“We would need the support of our brothers and sisters in the diaspora because there is so much we will achieve if we work together,” he stated.
Speaking also at the event, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Mr. Heineken Lokpobiri, stated that the Federal Government owns the water and land resources in the state and beyond by law, and urged them to join hands with the government in ensuring that this menace comes to an end.
He maintained that in order to benefit from the crude oil resource, everyone would need to work with the government at all levels.
“Bayelsa State is likely to be the most polluted state but people may not know. What is responsible for this pollution could be many. But the people are partly involved in getting crude oil for illegal refining. After the refining, they throw the rest into the river.
“By law, the federal government owns the water and land resources. So, everyone should join hands with the government to fight this menace.
“No matter the proceeds gotten from the illegal refining, it cannot be enough for the people and communities. Those perpetrating the act should desist,” he stated.
He also assured the people that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would continue to support all Nigerians in the diaspora, including the ljaw people, adding that theu occupy a strategic position in the country.
