Assembly moves to secure compensation for Imo communities

The Imo House of Assembly on Thursday resolved to compel oil companies operating in the state to
commence the payment of adequate compensation to the communities affected by oil spillage.

The resolution was adopted in a motion moved by the All Progressives Congress (APC) member representing Ohaji Egbema, Mr Emmanuel Orie, during the house plenary in Owerri.

The House also resolved that the Chief Executive Officers of the companies be invited to the House for discussion on the need for safety in their operations.

Presenting the motion, Orie said that the people of the affected areas suffer economic and health problems.

Orie also said that the spillages are severely affecting the ecosystem of the affected areas resulting in unquantifiable economic consequences.

He also called on the management of the companies to outline measures it has taken to compensate the said communities.

Supporting, the member representing Ideato South, Mr Ikechukwu Amuka (APC), said the action of the oil companies showed disregard for the state.

He said that Egbema in Rivers, which shares a common boundary with Imo, has steady power supply while Egbem in Imo has not had any power in four years.

Amuka urged the House to set up a committee which would go on a working visit to the affected areas to investigate the alleged negligence by the companies.

He also called for Imo to be equally compensated as other oil producing states in the country.