The Federal High Court located in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State has turned down the initial objections raised by the Shell Petroleum Development Company in a lawsuit brought forth by the A’Ibom Oil Producing Development Network (AKPICON).
This suit seeks compensation and environmental restoration due to years of hydrocarbon pollution caused by oil and gas emissions from both corked and uncorked oil wells across various regions of the state.
AKIPCON functions as a platform for achieving environmental justice and safeguarding the human rights of the local population over time.
Through its lead attorney, Dr. Dada Awosika, SAN, from Awosika Partners, along with Barrister Ndifreke Akpan, the organization has reached out to the Managing Director of SPDC, requesting a compensation payment of N140 billion to help ease the hardships faced by impoverished farmers, fishermen, and related business owners.
The correspondence states in part, “Your company operates corked and uncorked oil and gas wells that are spread throughout Akwa Ibom State, particularly in Mkpat-Enin, Ini, Ikot Abasi, Onna, Uruan, Esit-Eket, Iket, Uyo, Eastern Obolo, Nsit-Antai, Etinan, Mbo, Okobo, Essien Udim, Ikot-Ekpene Local Government Areas, among others.
“Over the years, there has been a rise in leakages and emissions of crude oil from your company’s corked and uncorked oil and gas wells and facilities, which continuously release toxic hydrocarbons into the farmland and water bodies in the areas where our clients operate.
“These leakages and emissions stem from your company’s negligence in maintaining your corked and uncorked oil wells. Frequently, your outdated, aged, and corroded pipes, installed in the early 1950s, burst, releasing crude oil that contaminates the water bodies and farmlands of our clients, leading to significant damage to their agricultural lands and water sources.
“The actions of your company in this matter have caused immense suffering, economic losses, unemployment, and redundancy.