The state government has expressed its determination to control and monitor the activities of oil companies, operating in Oguta and Ohaji Egbema Local Government Areas.
The Commissioner for Petroleum and Environment, Dr Ikechukwu Njoku, stated this, during a meeting with the Traditional Rulers of the oil communities in the state.
He expressed dismay that some oil companies operating in the oil producing communities, do so, without recourse to the environment, adding that Oil companies who explore oil must do so in line with laid down procedure of such activity and stressed that most communities in the oil producing areas have been subjected to different forms of environmental hazards due to oil exploration.
He noted that the state government is disturbed by such unhealthy practices, even as he pointed out that oil companies must always sign MOU with host communities in the oil producing areas, as such MOU would be strictly complied with. Hear him,” after this meeting, we are going to meet with the oil companies, so that they can build synergy with you in order to forestall further damage of the environment. Also, it is time to fix our broken relationship with nature .We plead with Imolites to join hands with the Ministry Of Petroleum and Environment to protect and improve our environment and equally safeguard our water, air, land, forest, and wild life in Imo State”. He added.
Dr Njoku who promised to forward their reports to the Governor, insisted that the Traditional Rulers of the Communities, must work in synergy and ensure that the policies of the government towards the protection of environment from oil exploitation by oil companies is achieved.
Responding, the Traditional Ruler of Orsu Obodo Autonomous Community in Oguta LGA, His Royal Highness, Eze Ikenna Ozuoma, thanked the Commissioner for initiating such a vital meeting where issues affecting the oil producing communities would be discussed, adding that the activites of oil companies in their various communities are threats to the lives of their subjects, and promised to document same and present it to the government.
He noted that the oil producing communities are happy with what Governor Hope Uzodinma is doing, especially in the area of environmental protection and to end oil exploitation, adding that they would remain eternally grateful to God for the efforts of the present administration to reposition the oil producing communities of the state.