By Samuel Ogenyi, Uyo
Akwa Ibom Oil Producing Community Development Network (AKIPCON) has demanded for compensation for communities affected by gas flaring activities of ExxonMobil.
It has also expressed displeasure over the continued negative effect of oil exploration activities on the social and economic life of the people of those communities.
President General of AKIPCON Mr Ufot Phenson told newsmen in Uyo yesterday that the communities affected by the oil exploration activities of oil companies in the state deserve adequate compensation for the extensive damage wrecked on theor water courses, fishing and farming occupations and other allied businesses in the surrounding environment.
“The non-stop gas flaring activity of Exxon Mobil since 1974 when the company started oil exploration in the coastal axis of Akwa Ibom State has generated tremendous negative impact on the aforesaid fishing and farming individuals, MPSC groups and Associations in the state.
“Exxon Mobil has been flaring gas in the state both day and night leading to photogenic pollution which disrupt the means of livelihood of the people. This has turned the night into a total day resulting in the extinction of wildlife.
“The company has not provided any ameliorative measure to check-mate the effect of their deliberate gas flaring. The people have been crying out on several occasioned to Exxon Mobil to stop the ongoing gas flaring and pay compensation to alleviate their sufferings, but to no avail.
“The company flares gas at various locations in Akwa Ibom State including gas flaring points at QIT, Ibeno (on-shore) and many other off-shore locations in Atlantic Ocean. Some of the platforms are code named Ikpang, Mfem, Utere, Iyak, Usan, etc.” Phenson stated.
He maintained that gas emissions from corked and uncorked oil wells have also continued to pose a grave danger to the lives of members of the affected communities even with the continued lip service to the demands of those communities by the oil companies.
“The people have suffered severe harmful economic activities of oil companies, especially the ongoing illegal gas flaring by Exxon Mobil, gas emission from corked and uncorked oil well belonging SPDC which has posed a serious negative impact on the farmers and fishermen operating in the state.The dangers of gas flaring in the state are inestimable as it destroys human health and economy.
“Consequently, the people have been so lavishly impoverished as their primary means of livelihood have been destroyed, shattered or contaminated. Gas flaring has destroyed buildings and roof tops, polluted the Atlantic Ocean, Qua Iboe River and other adjoining rivers, creeks, streams, neighboring swamps, sandy beaches, shorelines and boreholes within the coastal areas of Akwa Ibom State and rendered the water unfit for human consumption and for domestic use.
“Aquatic and terrestrial species have also been affected due to the associated poisons spread through gas flaring and oil spills.” He explained.
Phenson said that AKIPCON would be unrelenting in their struggle for the protection and promotion of human rights of the people and demand for the payment of adequate compensation to the people to alleviate their sufferings.
