Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa says International Oil Companies , particularly Shell Petroleum Development Company, have been responsible for the environmental degradation in the state.
The governor specifically fingered Shell as a major culprit in the degradation of the Bayelsa environment. Lokpobiri said: “If you go to our area in Bayelsa State, it is likely to be the most polluted state but people may not know. “President Tinubu will continue to support all Nigerians in diaspora, including the ljaw people because we occupy a strategic position in the country and oil still remains the main strength of our economy.“For us to benefit from this resource, we need to work with government at all levels,” he added.
“The Ijaw local economy is badly articulated. This is worsened by the lack of meaningful wealth creation/empowerment and employment opportunities. The burden of local manufacturing may have increased in recent times as the operators spent N290 billion on self-generated energy in a space of three months – first quarter – exclusive data sourced from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria have shown.