The constant serial pollution by multinationals operating in the coastal region has, over the years, been treated with kid gloves.
Communities have been set in disarray for selfish exploration and exploitation of the helpless people whose source of livelihood solely depend on the coastline and fishing in particular.
Venting their displeasure over years of alleged neglect by Exxon Mobil, Ijaw youths, in their number, mobilized to stop activities at the ExxonMobil facility in Akwa Ibom with the chant ‘no cleanup exercise in Eastern Obolo and Ibeno clan, no ExxonMobil.’
Speaking to the press on the issue, Comrade Urang Solomon, noted that the multinational company have, over the years, cared less for the well being of the people in Eastern Obolo and Ibeno clan other than oil exploration activities.
He further noted that the time is ripe for them to fight for their rights and that they will not relent in the agitation until youths are empowered and the needed remediation is made to cushion the effect of the frequent oil spill and damaged environment.
Urang noted that Ijaw youths will not stop until the right thing is done, that Ijaw people deserve clean air and quality flora and fauna. If youth inclusion and remediation plan is not drawn, this protest can escalate to breakdown of law and order.
We have written protest letters to notify the authorities that we are serious on this issue. Our resolution via congress is that this we will not relent until cleanup is done to remedy the effect of the spill.
While filing this report, we contacted the President of the Ijaw Youth Council – Comrade Peter Timothy Igbifa, who said that it is saddening to be hearing issues of oil spills and other environmental damaging occurrences in this modern era.
Igbifa noted that it is obvious that the lives of Ijaw people have never been taken serious rather, the concerns of oil multinationals is exploration. It is only fair that the people are empowered with wealth of their environment rather than die for what is given by God.
He however called on Exxon Mobil to engage the people and build confidence whilst thanking the IYC Clans of Eastern Obolo and Ibeno for their peaceful disposition in the protest.
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