AKIPCON Tackles ExxonMobil over Gas Flaring
The Akwa Ibom Oil Producing Community Development Network (AKIPCON) has demanded payment of compensation from Exxonmobil for communities affected by the negative impact of gas flaring on social and economic needs of the people.
Interacting with newsmen, the President General of AKIPCON, Ufot Phenson, noted that the communities affected by the oil exploration activities of oil companies in the state, deserve the right to adequate compensation for the extensive damage wrecked on the water courses, fishing and farming occupations and other allied businesses in the surrounding environment by gas flaring and oil spills.
Phenson added: “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,
MPCS, 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.”
Phenson further said: “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.
“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 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.”