A day after its inauguration by Governor Seriake Dickson, the Bayelsa State Commission of Inquiry on Environmental Degradation promptly swung into action on Thursday, embarking of a fact-finding tour of communities in the state negatively impacted by the activities of the International Oil Companies, among them Shell and Agip.

Among communities visited by members during their field trip are Azuzuama, Ikarama and Egbegiri – all of which are heavily affected by oil spill.

Led by its Chairman, Archbishop John Sentamu, the Archbishop of York, the committee was welcome in each of the communities by aggrieved citizens, some of whom brandished placards demanding justice from the guilty oil firms.

The committee members also held town hall meetings to enable them get a full idea of the plight of the impacted communities.

Other members of the 10-member commission include former President of Ghana, Dr. John Kufour; Baroness Valerie Amos; Prof. Engobo Emeseh; Dr. Anna Zalik; Prof. Roland Hodler; and Prof. Michael Watts.

Dr. Kathryn Nwajiaku-Dahou is secretary to the commission while former Bayelsa Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Kemasuode Wodu, serves as Legal Counsel.

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