January 5, 2021
The President/Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria
Aso Villa
Abuja
Thru:
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources
Chief Timipre Slyva
Your Excellency,
URGENT NEED TO AVERT IMPENDING LARGE SCALE HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN DELTA, DUE TO SPDC’S INDIFFERENCE
As you read this open letter, the lives, assets and future generation of over 50 communities, hosting the network of Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC Pipelines, particularly indigenes of Ugborodo in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, are in grave danger and if urgent steps are not taken to stop the brazen infractions of SPDC Pipelines in the aforesaid communities, a major humanitarian crisis capable of outweighing the Ogoni Oil Spill, would burst in Delta State. Unlike the situation in Ogoni, Rivers State, wherein SPDC was accused of causing the monumental spill, the situation in Ugborodo Communities, is largely due to the indifference of SPDC. This is despite series of public outcry and petitions written to the management of the Oil and Gas Major, especially by the Ologbotsere of Warri, Chief Ayirimi Emami, to address the pollution of our community by illegal bunkerers and crude oil thieves.
I consider SPDC’s failure to put an end to the unprecedented infractions on its pipelines as disheartening, insensitive and outright wickedness. It is not enough to mobilize contractors to remediate the lines after each and every spillage. The long-term impact of such pollution on our environment, has very far reaching effects. As coastal communities, our people are predominantly farmers and fishermen. Every episode of oil spill from SPDC’s Pipelines and infrastructure into our land and waters, further worsens the already pathetic situation of environmental degradation and pollution that has pervaded our land for decades, thus compounding the sufferings of our people, deprivation of our livelihood and the destruction of aquatic lives.
This practice of SPDC to only remediate their pipelines, conduct a roughshod exercise in the guise of environmental clean-up and continue operations until the next spill happens and the circle continues in somewhat of a self-perpetuating system, is not sustainable, going forward.
I envisage a potential upsurge in pipeline infractions. The criminal elements prowl in search of vulnerable spots, hence the management of SPDC should be directed to take the necessary proactive, responsible and timely approach to safeguarding its network of pipeline and the in-field infrastructure.
Sir, the upsurge of illegal bunkering activities in Ugborodo as witnessed by indigenes of the community and visitors, during the recent yuletide, was heart-rending and left one wondering, if the lives of Ugborodo indigenes matter to the relevant government agencies and management of SPDC.
Select-pictures of the current unimaginable devastation and dreadful pollution of Ugborodo Communities, such as Ugbuegungun, Otumara and Ogidigben, are attached hereunder for your quick perusal:
A clear example of Crude Oil Spill in part of Ugborodo land
Section of Mangrove swamp in Ogidigben, Ugborodo, being destroyed as a result of pollution caused by Pipeline vandals