By GbaramatuVoice Editorial Board
The refusal by Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa’s led Delta State Government to respond promptly or lead in the effort to rehabilitate the people of Polobubo/Opuama Communities in Warri North Local Government Area, ravaged by oil spill from pipeline facility managed by the NPDC/ELCRES, in the early hours of Sunday, March 14, 2021, has become the latest prove of neglect, betrayal and abandonment of a people that they (state Government) supposed to protect.

Making this particular spill a reality to worry about is that among many others, this latest spillage is coming few weeks after a similar one occurred in Benikrukru, Kokodiagbene, Oporoza and other communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South West Local Government Area of the state, this time around involving the pipeline owned and managed by Chevron Nigeria Limited. While no death was recorded, the incident however led to many of the community dwellers being hospitalized as result of the shock and pollution. Chevron on its part added to the pains of the victims/communities with their persistent denial of such occurrence.
In the face of all these happenings, Governor Okowa’s led administration for yet to be identified reason(s) allowed the oil major to hand twist the helpless and hapless community dwellers.
Today, the above attitude that which bothers on Delta State Government lackadaisical and nonchalant attitude to the plight of average coastal dwellers – and inability of regulators in the state to go extra miles to ensure compliance in their operations is being replicated in the case of Polobubo/Opuama Communities.
