By Paul Effiong, Abuja
House of Representatives ad-hoc committee investigating the management of oil spill clean-up funds in the Niger Delta has reaffirmed its commitment to ensure transparency and accountability, as well as justice in the handling of funds earmarked for environmental remediation in the oil rich region.
Speaking during the committee’s investigative hearing at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja yesterday, Chairman of the committee, Okpolupm Ette said the House had mandated the inquiry to address long-standing concerns over the alleged mismanagement, poor implementation and lack of transparency in the oil spill clean-up exercise.
According to him, the investigation is aimed at uncovering the truth behind the utilisation of funds allocated for the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, and other related interventions, with a view to ensuring that the affected communities receive the relief and restitution they deserve.
“The House has mandated this committee to investigate the management of oil spill clean up funds.
“We will scrutinise project implementation, procurement processes, training programmes, intelligence coordination and the actual delivery of remediation and restitution to Niger Delta communities,” Ette said.
The chairman assured that all proceedings of the committee would be recorded for accountability, while witnesses appearing before it must provide truthful testimonies, original documents and complete evidence of work done.
Ette commended civil society organisations, community representatives and technical partners for their continuous advocacy and support in ensuring that environmental justice is achieved in the Niger Delta, assuring that his committee would put measures in place to protect individuals who provide sensitive information in good faith.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, who was represented by the Chief Whip, Usman Kumo, reiterated the legislature’s determination to ensure that public funds are properly utilised for the benefit of all Nigerians.
“Our parliament conducts legislative activities to ensure that public funds are not only spent, but expended efficiently for the good of all.
“This investigation will help us determine who manages these funds, how they are applied, which communities are to benefit, and whether transparency and accountability were maintained throughout the process,” Abbas said.
He noted that the hearing was not meant to witch hunt any institution or individual, but to strengthen governance processes and prevent future mismanagement of public resources.
In his contribution, the Paramount Ruler of Ataba Kingdom in Rivers State, Benson Egwenru decried the level of exploitation and exploration in his community.
The monarch alleged that his community had consistently written to the federal government through the former Minister of Environment, Amina Mohhamed, on basic strategic measures to clean up Ogoni land but to no avail.
He, however, explained that though the process of Ogoni land clean-up was good and welcomed by his subjects, those who handled the projects never contacted or consulted him over the clean-up.
While calling for the establishment of Ogoni Trust Fund, the monarch disclosed that contracts awarded and contractors handling the clean up are unknown to him and his communities.
