Akakan Umoh
The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria, CCSON, has expressed concern on the prolonged oil spill that occurred in Bukuma water ways in Degema local government area of Rivers State, seeking solution to the problem.
This coastal oil well and facility, according to the CCSON, are said to be operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The National Coordinator of CCSON, Otuekong Franklyn Isong, while addressing a press conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Thursday, noted ‘‘that this incident has posed a dangerous environmental hazard and threat to the people of Bukuma and violates their right to a healthy environment and good quality of life.’’
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It urged the Federal Government of Nigeria, particularly the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), the Government of Rivers State and other relevant agencies to urgently address the situation.
Recall that the spill occurred from a leaking wellhead and the resultant fire outbreak between Bukuma and Buguma in Asari Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State few days ago.
On the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the body said ‘‘On the occasion of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, CCSON salutes the selfless souls of our fallen heroes and veteran soldiers who fought gallantly to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, and laid down their lives in sacrifice so that we may live in peace.
CCSON ‘‘urges the Federal Government of Nigeria to improve the welfare packages of Nigerian soldiers, ensure that the families of those who laid down their lives are not abandoned, take care of the welfare of retired soldiers, and ensure prompt payment of their pension and gratuities.
Commenting on security, CCSON ‘‘commends the Inspector-General of Police and heads of other security agencies in the country for their concerted efforts at ensuring a peaceful and secure Nigeria and for ensuring a near crime-free society during the 2024 Christmas and New Year celebrations in Nigeria. CCSON urges them to sustain the tempo going forward.
On Federal Highways, CCSON urges the Federal Government of Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu to, as a matter of urgency dualise all federal highways in the South-South (Niger Delta) region, especially the Calabar-Itu Highway; Port Harcourt-Eleme-Ikot Abasi Highway; and Ikot Ekpene-Aba-Umuahia Highway.
Furthermore, CCSON ‘‘lauds Their Excellencies, the Governors of Nasarawa, Akwa Ibom and Ondo States, Mr. Abdullahi Sule, Pastor Umo Eno and Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, respectively, on the dissolution of their State Executive Council. CCSON urges that subsequent appointments be guided by merit, competence and strategic considerations to enhance good governance and ensure efficient service delivery in their respective States.
CCSON ‘‘urges the 36 Nigerian State Governors to restructure and strengthen governance in their States by the realignment of their administrations with evolving priorities and introducing fresh perspectives into leadership in order to enhance governance, improve service delivery, and ensure that qualified individuals occupy key and sensitive positions in their States.
However, CCSON ‘‘notes the lingering political conflict in Rivers State and urges political leaders in the State, particularly His Excellency, the Governor, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, to embrace peace and work together for the growth and development of Rivers State and its people.’’
