Punch
8 August 2011
The Delta State Government has condemned oil companies operating in the Niger Delta for not taking responsibility for the degradation of farmlands in the region.
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“For years, spillages have occurred incessantly in the zone, with no one accepting to halt the devastation that gradually eroded the livelihood of the people of the zone who are mainly farmers and fishermen for generations. The usual claims of international oil companies of sabotage is ringing hallow by the day.”
While applauding the decision of the UK court over the 2008 spill in Bodo, regarded as one of the single highest oil polluted areas in the world, Uduaghan said, “The class action suit filed by the affected community is a clear indication of the increasing awareness of the people to the harm being done to them and to seek justice through due process instead of violence.
“I must stress that one of the causes of the Niger Delta crisis was that people were driven into violence because of mass poverty triggered by the widespread pollution of their environment.
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