The Gbaramatu Traditional Council of Chiefs have advocated the need for an immediate joint investigation of all stakeholders into the oil spill which has ravaged many Gbaramatu Communities in Warri South West Area of Delta State alleged to be from Chevron Nigeria Limited.
The Kingdom made the call in Warri during a press briefing held by chiefs and communities leaders of the area.
Chief Godspower Gbenekama, spokesman of Gbaramatu kingdom,who anchored the briefing said the development became necessary due to the denial by Chevron that the spill is not from its facility.
He said: “We wish to observe and state as follows; our investigations show an oil spill which has meandered through and beyond the creeks and rivulets of Gbaramatu kingdom owing largely to lack of immediate steps to curtail the spread. The locals have had to abandon their fishing expeditions, even as they develop respiratory problems due to the smell of fumes of the spill.
“The oil spill which occurred about 6 weeks ago was promptly reported to Chevron Nigeria Limited believed to own the assets that produced the spill. The Company, Chevron, has been in denial till now. On Saturday, March 27, 2021, the Company through its General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Esimaje Brikinn, denied that the oil sheen on the waters are from its assets.
“We call for an immediate joint investigation team involving all stakeholders including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPC, Chevron, Delta State Government, NOSDRA and relevant agencies to ascertain the cause of the spill and determine the owner-company of asset.
“We think that a unilateral aerial investigation reportedly conducted by Chevron is not reassuring as we know that assists passing through the site of spill are exclusively owned by Chevron Nigeria Limited. We wonder how an alleged aerial investigation could establish any meaningful fact.
“As custodians of the welfare of our people, we hold and call on the FG, State government and oil companies operating in the area to rise up to the challenge of ameliorating the sufferings of the people, even before we ascertain blame. The people are suffering. We call for relief materials to enable the local populace survive the economic displacement and conditions caused by the oil spill.” The statement said.
