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The Rivers Assembly has initiated an investigation into claims that Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited failed to address oil spills which severely impacted the B-Dere community in the Gokana Local Government Area of the state.

The House expressed worries regarding the project after a petition was submitted by the community, represented by their Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Hamilton Odom & Co.

The petition was signed by ESV Hamilton Odom and submitted in the House by the Deputy Speaker.

Speaker Martins Amaewhulereferred the petition to the House Committee on Public Complaints and Petitions, which is led by Dr. Enemi Alabo George.

The group mentioned in the petition remembered that on May 7th, 2025, an oil leak took place along the 24 Ogale-Bomu Pipeline, which crosses through their region.

The applicants stated that a report by the joint team of officials from the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), along with representatives from the affected community, identified the source of the leak as a malfunction of the equipment.

They stated: “The spill caused severe damage to plant health, resulting in stress, loss of leaves, and death. The harmful hydrocarbons found in the oil entered plant tissues, interfering with their normal functions and limiting their ability to absorb water and nutrients. This led to slowed growth, plant death, and difficulties in regrowth, especially harming young plants and seedlings.”

The leak also polluted groundwater and affected economic activities like agriculture, resulting in reduced income and loss of livelihoods. It caused psychological distress and stress, which may have lasting impacts on the mental health and overall well-being of the population.

The neighborhood mentioned that, although the incident had negative consequences, the oil corporation had not tried to clean the impacted regions nor provided any type of compensation to those affected.

The petitioners stated, ‘More concerning is the company’s apathy and silence regarding all spill-related issues following the initial meeting between the company’s representatives and the community, which failed to reach an agreement on a fair or sufficient compensation amount.’

The community urged the House of Assembly to handle the issue immediately, arguing that Renaissance should be solely responsible for the spill due to the equipment malfunction.

They asked the legislators to make Renaissance Africa Energy Limited answer for the environmental harm resulting from the oil spill.

The community called for an immediate evaluation and compensation for their financial losses, harm to their way of life, and the environmental damage resulting from the company’s carelessness.

They also requested the legislators to collaborate with the company to guarantee a thorough cleanup, restoration, and rehabilitation of the impacted land, groundwater, and surrounding ecosystem.

The head of the House Committee for Public Complaints and Petitions, Dr. Enemi Alabo George, who received the petition, stated that his committee would review it promptly.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).