Communities affected by the 2012 rig explosion at Chevron Nigeria Limited’s oilfields off the Atlantic coast of Koluama, in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, have called on all tiers of government to intervene in order to avert a looming crisis following the adamant posture of Chevron to the issue of compensation.
Prince George Ibobra, a community leader in Koluama, said that the view canvassed by Chevron that there was no basis for compensation, was provocative and unacceptable.
“It is insensitive for Chevron to say that the rig explosion had no adverse effect on our communities. In addition to distorting the ecosystem, our fishing vocation has never been the same.
“We no longer catch fish as the fire which lasted over one month wiped out the fishes. Even the sea weeds on the ocean floor where the fishes feed and breed were killed. The sea weeds contaminated by hazardous materials used to contain the blow out is what our fishermen catch instead of fishes. We call on government to call Chevron to order, to maintain the existing peace in the area.
“We have been patient and been enduring untold hardship all this while. We are surprised that Chevron is washing its hands off the rig explosion,” Ibobra said.
He noted that the appeal to governments at state and federal level became necessary following promises of assistance when the incident occurred.
He said that the communities were still hopeful that President Goodluck Jonathan will redeem his pledge to the community before the end of his administration on May 29.
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