The Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has called for increased advocacy on the plight of the people of Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta region of Nigeria for the protection of the polluted environment by oil companies operating in the region.
At the inauguration of the Bayelsa State Environmental Degradation Commission of Inquiry on Wednesday in Yenagoa, Governor Dickson also expressed sadness over the continued implications of the polluted environment on the people.
Crude oil was first discovered in commercial quantity in Bayelsa State in 1956 before spreading to other parts of the Niger Delta region.
For over 60 years, the activities of the oil companies have left vast environmental and human damages on oil-bearing communities.
This gave rise to the setting up of the Environmental Degradation Commission of Inquiry made up of personalities of international repute.
The Commission chaired by the Archbishop of York, Doctor John Sentamu, promised to leave no stone unturned in bringing justice to the people.
With the inauguration of the Environmental Degradation Commission of Inquiry, it is expected that oil companies operating in the region will be held accountable to take a new course to inspire sustainable change in their host communities.
