STOP GAS FLARING, RESTORE OUR ENVIRONMENT- COMMUNITIES IN UKANAFUN TELL SAVANAH ENERGY
Following the persistent gas flares occasioned by the property and activities of Savanah Energy, the people of Ikot Ukpong village and their neigbouring villages in Ukanafun Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, yesterday, called on the international oil giants and the Federal Government of Nigeria to end the gas pollution in their communities.
The communities are also demanding that the impact of the exploration on their environment be remediated to ensure it return to its original state.
This was part of their demands during a peaceful protest which saw Elders, women, youths and children of the affected communities roll on the floor to lament the negative consequences of being displaced from their community as a result of gas emission.
Speaking during the protest, a youth leader from the area, Comrade Inimfon Jack, lamented how polluted the air in the affected area has been for three days due to incessant gas emmission. He demanded that environmental justice be given to his people.
“All we want is environmental justice; our lands should be restored to its original state. It is painful that Savanah energy and even the Federal Government and its relevant agencies has abandoned us to suffering from the protracted pollution, which has largely and negatively impacted on us.” Jack said.
On the allegations that the host communities had barred relevant agencies from stoping the emission, a youth leader who gave his name as Mr Iyakndue and the Akwa Ibom State cordinator, Gas pipeline forum, Kufre Emanson in their respective remarks, refuted those allegations and described same as calculated lies against the oppressed communities.
“Since Sunday when this incident occurred, huge flames billow have been in the air and white clouds leap into the sky. The gas emmission operated by Savanah energy belch out noxious fumes that loom over homes, farms and shops with strange smell and an audible hiss in the air, yet we have remained quiet.
We haven’t blocked any representative of these companies. The allegations that relevant agencies who came to rescue the situation were barred are all false. ” Emanson Stressed.
In what could be described as a swift response, the Transition Chairman of Ukanafun Local government area, Elder Godwin Ekpe while empathizing with the affected communities, thanked them for their peaceful conduct during the protest. He expressed displeasure with Savanah energy and her subsidiary company (ACCUGAS) that owns the gas pipeline in question.
“This is almost one year I assumed as the Chairman, I have never had any interface with Savanah energy if not for this emission. When I heard of this incidence, I had to look for their contact number and I am happy they are here today.
“I am fully aware that because of this incident, people no longer cook in their houses because of the fear of gas explosion. People have left their houses, I have also been told that one pregnant woman is hospitalized in Ukanafun. Despite all these, you have remained calm and I thank you. Let me use this opportunity to warn everyone spreading false information that Ukanafun people are barring relevant authorities to desist from such act. Ukanafun people are peaceful people.” He reiterated.
Following the result of the joint investigation visit, JIV, carried out by the relevant agencies including the State Ministry of Environment, NOADRA, NMDPRA, amongst others, Hon. Ekpe admonished Savanah energy whose subsidiary is said to be the operators of the gas pipeline to intensify surveillance on their property.
“It is very sad that no internal security has been employed in the surveillance of these pipelines, if such measure were taken, this would have been averted. I call on the operating company to conduct a proper impact assessment and take into consideration, families and properties that have been affected by the emission”. Elder Ekpe recommended.
Reacting to the sad incidence, stakeholders of Ukanafun including Mr Ndianaabasi Nana Udom while also empathizing with the affected communities, called on the operating companies to immediately remediate the situation, provide palliatives to the displaced families and involve the various communities in their surveillance team.
