By Ephraim Emmanuel
Residents of Billie Kingdom in Degema LGA, Rivers State, have raised the alarm over deteriorating health conditions they believe are linked to a gas leak in the community for over eight months.Community members said three people died within the past week. They also noted an increased number of miscarriages among young pregnant women and other health issues .
‘Our Hearts Are Skipping’
Residents told Exceed FM: “Our heart is skipping and breathing increases every time we go out for fishing. Our pregnant women keep having miscarriages because of the quality of air in our community.
“Children Collapsing in School”
A teacher who spoke with our correspondent, Ephraim Emmanuel, said: “Children have also been collapsing in school during break time while some are convulsing.”
‘We Need a Health Emergency’
Vice President of the Billie Youth Federation, Timothy Agunbiade, said although the state government gave Billie Kingdom ₦100 million, it cannot substitute for the health of the people.“Billie people are in need of a health emergency,” he said.
‘Clean Up Bille Now’: CSOs Protest at Govt House Over Niger Delta Pollution
In the meantime, a coalition of civil society groups on Monday staged a protest to Government House, Port Harcourt, demanding an immediate environmental assessment and total cleanup of Bille Kingdom in Degema LGA.
The groups, Pilex Centre for Civic Education Initiative and Lekeh Development Foundation, delivered an open letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu through the Rivers State Governor’s office.
‘Niger Delta Can No Longer Bear the Cost’
Presenting the letter, Coordinator of the Pilex Centre, Courage Nsirimovu, said the Niger Delta can no longer bear the ecological costs of funding Nigeria’s economic development.He insisted on strict transparency regarding environmental remediation funds mandated by the Petroleum Industry Act.
“Environmental justice is a constitutional and moral obligation. Children, youths and the elderly are affected. Their livelihood. The people can’t fish, can’t (go to) farm again. So what do you expect them to eat? The government should do something about this situation. We need immediate cleanup. Remediate the environment,” Nsirimovu said.
‘Life Expectancy Has Dropped to 41 Years’
The Executive Director of the Lekeh Development Foundation, Friday Nbani, warned that unchecked oil pollution is shortening lifespans in host communities.“In a polluted environment, born into polluted land, take polluted food, breathe poisoned air, poisoned water, living in that environment for years, our immune system is affected. The life expectancy of people in Rivers State and the Niger Delta has reduced drastically to 41 years,” Nbani said.
‘Clean Legacy Sites to Earn Trust’
Former Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Leyi Kwanee, said the Federal Government must clean legacy pollution sites if it expects public trust for future oil exploration.“Injury to one is injury to all. With recent efforts to explore oil in Ogoni land, while exploited communities have seen nothing done, there is fear. At 62, I can’t sit and fold my arms,” Kwanee said.
Govt Responds
Receiving the letter on behalf of the Governor, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Information, Honour Sirawoo, assured the coalition that the state government shares their concerns.“Rivers State Government has the responsibility to protect lives and property. This issue will not be swept under the carpet. The Governor will act immediately to ensure Rivers State is safe. The environment is very important,” Sirawoo said.
