Following the public presentation of the final report of the Bayelsa State Oil and Environment Commission (BSOEC), a former Commissioner for Information in the state, Dr Daniel Iworiso-Markson, has applauded Governor Douye Diri, for his painstaking efforts to bring it into fruition.
The report titled: “An Environmental Genocide: Counting the Human and Environmental Cost of Oil in Bayelsa, Nigeria,” was unveiled this week at two separate events in Yenagoa, and Abuja by the Bayelsa State Government.
Excited by the development, Iworiso-Markson said, it exemplifies the governor’s commitment to address the myriad of environmental challenges bedevilling the state and hold to account all those responsible, particularly the International Oil Companies (IOCs).
In a statement on Thursday, Iworiso-Markson, described the content of the report as shocking and revealing, noting that it sufficiently cataloged all the issues facing the people since oil was discovered in the Oloibiri area of the state in 1956.
For the report not to gather dust and go the way of some similar reports in the past, the ex-commissioner called for full and immediate implementation in order to assuage the people whose socio-economic life has suffered tremendously due to massive oil spills.
He said: “When we talk about continuity in government, this is what we are talking about and truly so. The commission was inaugurated by Governor Douye Diri’s predecessor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson. But he took it upon himself for the interest of the people to ensure that the commission saw through its work.
“Today, I am glad that the commission has made public its findings, and it is chilling to note the overall findings. The scientific evidence, as contained in the report, reveals the depth of suffering our people have gone through since 1956. Farm lands, aquatic life, and the entire environment have been bastardized due to the actions and, most times, negligence of the companies.
“With the final public presentation, I urge leaders of our dear state to join forces with the governor to draw more global attention so as to fast track the clean up process and also payment of compensation where necessary. This is the only way to bring much-needed relief to our people.
“I also call on members of the National Assembly from Bayelsa to amplify the issues. All hands need to be on deck to ensure that this report does not die a painful death like some others in the past.”
Iworiso-Markson, who is also the publisher and Chief Executive Officer of First News, equally lauded the Dr John Sentamu led commission, for the “thorough and fantastic job” they did, saying history will always be kind to them.
He said as a stakeholder, who is deeply touched about the plight of the people, he will use his media outfit to produce a captivating 5 series documentary that will be streamed on local and international channels to further reinforce the need for immediate action on the issue.
According to him, they are willing to enter into formidable partnerships to realize the objectives of the documentary while also pursuing other means of advocacy to put in the mind of people the urgency in addressing the matter.
“It is our earnest desire to produce a 5 series documentary to stream on Netflix and other international and local channels. We will do this to let the world know what Bayelsa has suffered for over 60 years,” He said.
