By Eyenisong
When I first read this news a few
days back, I was praying it is not true. In an encounter with one young Akwa
Ibomite on FB, he pointedly accused me of opposing job-creation avenue in the
state by my arguing against the location of such a plant in the state.
I had
said in my post in question that Akwa Ibom state supplies Nigeria with the
highest crude oil production, yet the state has not been found worthy to host a
petroleum refinery. It has similarly not been considered fit to host even a
petroleum depot. It has no petrochemical plant and does not play host to the
headquarters of any of the oil production and services companies operating in
our waters. Akwa Ibom state is also unfit to host any major FG sponsored
Agricultural development projects.
Curiously, the state has been found
fit to hold a nuclear plant! Why would anybody remember Akwa Ibom only for the
purpose of hosting a nuclear plant with its attendant risks? With our capacity
for inaction and unpreparedness in tackling environmental issues, our non
observance of maintenance culture and our indifference to life-threatening
circumstances, how can we hope to cope with the radiation of a nuclear site?
Even in developed societies where they anticipate crisis and have preemptive
measures to counter or diminish the impacts, leakages of toxic materials have
been known to kill and rendered inhabitants of nuclear plants homeless.
We do not need a nuclear plant
anywhere in the state. If they really want to build some, Sambisa forest would
most probably suit the location.
This issue must be treated with all
the seriousness it deserves by all of us. We should protest against this
“gesture” and tell the donors to look elsewhere.
Culled
from Ibom Forum
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