The Nigerian government may have opted to back global calls for an end to impunity in the way the oil companies treat their host communities in the Niger Delta areas. This was the tone of an official statement released by the Nigerian Embassy in Berlin in response to global condemnation for oil spills and use of military force against the community of Bodo in Ogoniland.
Below is a statement released by the Nigerian Embassy in Berlin on 17th December, 2012
RESPONSE BY THE EMBASSY OF NIGERIA TO CONCERNS EXPRESSED BY HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVISTS ON THE OIL SPILLS IN BODO, RIVERS STATE OF NIGERIA
The attention of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has been drawn to series of concerns expressed by human rights activists, environmentalists, individuals, particularly on the report by the Amnesty International concerning the recent oil spills in the Bodo community, Niger Delta area of Nigeria. The Embassy wishes to appreciate the continued interest shown by various individuals and groups in the reported oil spills, which is an indication of love for Nigeria, as well as concerns for the victims of the devastating phenomenon.
2. There is no doubt that the oil spillage has a major impact on the ecosystem. It has resulted in heavy contamination of land, environmental pollution, destruction of fishing and farming, as well as causing health hazards to the people of Bodo, among other things.
3. The Embassy wishes to inform that the Federal Government of Nigeria is also very much concerned about the development and is holding the oil companies involved in the oil spills responsible for their activities. Furthermore, the Federal Government has engaged the oil companies to adopt environmentally sound practices and ensure that adequate reparations are paid to victims of oil spills, including the cleaning up of the polluted areas. Similarly, the Government has directed the regulatory authorities to ensure that all oil companies adhere strictly to the statutes and other regulations governing the oil sector in Nigeria.
4. Consequently, the Embassy wishes to assure that the Federal government under President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is fully determined to protect the rights of every Nigerian irrespective of their social status and orientation. The government has promised to sanitize the oil sector and to bring to an end impunity, as well as all abuses in the industry.
5. The Embassy, therefore, wishes to appeal to the general public to kindly appreciate the government’s commitment, show understanding and support the government’s efforts to deliver on its promises. The Embassy also assures that the government is determined, sincere and will not fail.
Source: OgoniNews
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