MOSOP Demands Transparent Investigation into Fresh Ogoni Oil Spills

The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has charged the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to ensure proper investigations into the cause of the recent spills at Ebubu community, Eleme kingdom of Ogoniland, Rivers State.

Recall that fresh oil spills from the Ebubu and Oghale Manifold 12” pipeline operated by the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria rocked Ebubu community in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State last Friday.

Spokesperson for the SPDC, Mr. Michael Adande, who confirmed the spills, said the company was working with industry regulators to contain the spills, while awaiting a JIV to ascertain the cause and impact of the spills.

Reacting to the development, the Secretary-General of MOSOP, Mr Alex Akori, has urged members of the affected communities to cooperate with the industry regulators to address the spills.

Akori lamented that more than four days after the incident, neither NOSDRA nor SPDC has made public the cause of the spills and the volume of crude spilt.

He said: “The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) wishes to call on the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency to ensure proper investigations into the cause of the recent spills in Ebubu, Eleme kingdom of Ogoni.

“What is most important at this moment is to cooperate with the relevant authorities to stop the spills and restore normalcy and we urge the affected communities to support genuine efforts of all parties involved to address the spills.

“As at this morning, our checks have not given a clear indication regarding the cause of the spill. We will continue to follow up with the situation in Eleme and report back if need be.

“We urge community dwellers to remain calm and vigilant with hopes that an investigation will commence immediately.”