By Adekola Afolabi
Members of House of Representatives Committee on Host Communities, Petroleum Resources Upstream and Petroleum Downstream have promised to leave no stone unturned to alleviate the suffering of the people who were affected by an explosion in an oil company which occurred in Ilaje Local Government Area early this year.
The inferno which sparked off in February 2022, witnessed a deadly explosion from one of the Floating Production Storage Off-loading (FPSO) oil vessels, razing farmlands and crops and other means of livelihood of the people.
Governor Akeredolu informed the lawmakers that the impact of the explosion is there for all to see, saying it has affected people and means of livelihood, water waves, destruction of vehicles and vegetation among others.
The lawmakers assured that adequate compensation would be paid to the affected communities and the people, even as they expressed their displeasure with the magnitude of the destruction in the affected areas.
The Chairman of the Committee on Host Communities, Petroleum Resources Upstream and Petroleum Downstream, Dumnamene Devor, during their courtesy visit to Governor Akeredolu assured that the Committee would work to alleviate the suffering of the affected people and also prevent future occurrence.
The chairman explained that the committee has gotten all necessary materials and evidence to work with, adding that they were in the state to meet one-on-one with the affected people with a view to alleviating their suffering.
He said the committee would bring the owner of the oil company whose equipment exploded to book to serve as deterrent to others, saying that those who produce the oil are always being taken for granted.
The federal lawmakers equally commiserated with the Governor and the poeple of the state over the Owo cruel church attack which claimed 40 lives and left several others injured.
“Because, it has to do with the lives of our people and the activities of those conducting their businesses in various areas of the oil producing areas, which this has affected. We are here to inform you that we are here in the state for you and for the people of the state”, he said
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu while receiving the committee described their coming as important, saying they would have the opportunity of meeting those directedly affected by the explosion and give them hope.
Akeredolu who explained that the means of livelihood of many people have been badly affected by the incident, also called for timely and adequate compensation for those affected.
“When compensations are being paid we implore you, please, pay directly to those who were affected to avoid exploitation. You can decide to have a mechanism through which they will collect their money themselves. If you can do it the better for them”, the Governor stressed.
Also, Victor Akinjo representing Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency, said the committee would ensure justice is quickly served on the issue, just as he assured the state government that the committee will give compensation judiciously to the right set of people.