The attention of Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology has been drawn to media report on Bonga oil spill where it was mentioned that the Senate committee has given Shell a clean bill of health as regard the Bonga oil spill, I want to say categorically that the Senate Committee did not at any time give shell a clean bill . What we said after our assessment visit to Bonga oil spill site was that, the spill had stopped and the containment successful to an extent.


We also raised the issue of the oil found at the shoreline, which shell claim is not their own, but until tests are carried out to ascertain the owner of the oil, it will be premature to conclude, but we have insisted on a joint sample taking by Shell,DPR,NOSDRA and a Consultant appointed by Senate to be sent to a reputable international lab for testing, until the results are out we can't conclude. But in the meantime we agreed with shell irrespective of whose oil it is, Shell will take responsibility of the cleaning of the oil at the shoreline which is what is most important.

Also we are evaluating the cleaning procedure to see the effects on ecosystem from the use of the dispersants. Also shell is investigating the cause of the spill to confirm the reliability of the export line. Tthe Issue of compensation to community can only be addressed after source of oil is established.

On the issue of compromise, the media should remember that it was our committee that first to responded to Bonga oil spill in a press conference held at the media centre of National Assembly in Abuja and we also went ahead to assure all Nigerians that we will do everything possible to make sure shell contains the spill as quick as possible and to also hold shell to international accepted practices in protecting our environment and before that we have made contact with USEPA for technical assistance and surely this is not action of a committee that wants to do nothing or is satisfied with present status, If we've compromise are we going to take such step?

The committee pleads with all Nigerians to be patient, promise to see that international standards are met and see through the whole course to conclusion and there will be no cover up.

We Also assured Nigerian that if established that the cause of the oil spill is due to negligence then surely we will ensure appropriate penalties will be payable by shell. But until all investigations done we can't conclude

Akintoba Fatigun
Signed

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Nigerians need to really wake up and stop the abuse and neglect that is being passed on to them. It is high time that we all stand up for our rights.
Shell and other muliti-national companies need to start operating as they would in their respective companies.