Dickson condemns politicisation of Bayelsa oil spill, advocates compensation

The Senator representing Bayelsa West in the National Assembly, Seriake Dickson, has expressed deep concern over the ravaging oil spillage from the OML 29 Well 1 platform operated by AITEO Exploration and Production Company Limited in the Nembe creeks.

Dickson, in a statement on Tuesday, called for adequate compensation for the people for damage of the environment and their source of livelihood.

He urged the indigenous oil firm, the ministries of Petroleum and Environment, the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency and others to take urgent steps to rescue the seriously threatened environment from total destruction.

While condemning the politicization of the issue, he also enjoined relevant government agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency, to provide relief materials to the communities affected by the blowout.

The former governor further called on Aiteo management to engage the services of experts with the requisite technical competence to ensure that the destroyed wellhead is professionally clamped.