A Coalition of civil society organisations has urged the Federal Government to take proactive steps towards addressing the persistent gas eruptions in Bille, Rivers.

The coalition, made up of the People’s Assembly and Bille Working Group, made the call in an open letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu, and read to journalists in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

Reading the letter, the coalition’s convener, Dr Isaac Osuoka, said that the persistent gas eruption in Bille had led to serious environmental and public health challenges.

Osuoka, also the Executive Director, Social Action, urged Tinubu to establish a presidential task force to investigate and contain the gas leak in Bille.

He also called for the immediate relocation of residents to safe shelters, provision of clean water, food and healthcare services.

Dr Emem Okon, the Executive Director, Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre, stated that gas had been bubbling from the ground, creeks, boreholes and hand-dug wells in the community since October 2025.

Okon said that the gas had triggered several fires and explosions, and that residents of the community had reported respiratory problems, vomiting and other illnesses associated with exposure to the emissions.

According to her, preliminary investigations by the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) have yet to identify the source of the gas.

Mr Kentebe Ebiaridor, the Coordinator, Oilwatch International, called for the publication of results from preliminary soil and water tests conducted in Bille for the residents to know the nature and extent of the contamination.

Ebiaridor urged the Federal Government to deploy medical teams to screen and treat affected residents, and immediately commence an independent study on the health impacts of the leak.

He further called for the suspension of oil and gas operations around OML 18 and 24 until the source of the gas leak was identified and the affected areas declared safe.

Ebiaridor urged the government to hold current and former operators of the oil leases accountable for environmental damage on the community.

Another speaker, Dr Bieye Briggs, urged the National Assembly to fast-track the NOSDRA Amendment Bill, 2025 to provide the agency with statutory funding and stronger enforcement powers.

Briggs urged the Federal Government to activate the regional Spill Command Centre, and make the Upstream Remediation Fund accessible for the Bille crisis and other affected communities in the Niger Delta.

Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has described the late traditional ruler of Egbema Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Eze Ginikanwa Everestus Amuda,  Ezeobi of Egbema, as a great leader whose reign was characterised by peace, unity, inclusiveness and commitment to the welfare of his people.

Prof. Odu stated this during the funeral ceremony of the late monarch at Aggah, in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, yesterday.

The Deputy Governor, who expressed pride in identifying with the Egbema people, said she considered it a priority to attend the funeral and personally commiserate with the bereaved family, the people of Egbema and the entire Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.

She described the late monarch as a respected traditional ruler who distinguished himself through exemplary leadership and earned recognition beyond his immediate community.

According to her, Eze Amuda was a father figure to all, who carried everyone along during his reign and consistently promoted peace, unity and empowerment among his people.

Prof. Odu said Rivers State had lost one of its illustrious sons, adding that his contributions to the development of Egbema Kingdom and commitment to the welfare of his subjects would remain worthy of remembrance.

She extended her condolences to the immediate and extended families of the deceased, the Egbema people and the entire Ogba/Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Area, praying that God would grant them the strength and comfort to bear the loss.

The Deputy Governor expressed the hope that the late monarch’s legacy of peace and empowerment would be sustained, noting that his transition should inspire renewed efforts towards the progress and development of Egbema Kingdom.

She also appealed to prominent sons and daughters of Egbema in Government and other positions of influence to establish a lasting memorial in honour of the late traditional ruler, in recognition of his place in the history of the kingdom as one of its foremost first-class traditional rulers.

Prof. Odu thanked the church, women, men, youths and other sympathisers who came from far and near to honour the departed monarch and identify with the bereaved family.

She prayed for God’s comfort and strength for the family and the entire community, as well as journey mercies for all who attended the funeral.

In his tribute, Engr. Iboh Justice, a mentee of the deceased, described the late monarch as a father figure, mentor and exceptional personality whose life was defined by hard work, determination and commitment to excellence.

He said he was deeply saddened by the loss, noting that Eze Ginikanwa Amuda was not only a father to many but also a personal mentor who played a significant role in shaping his life.

He disclosed that the late monarch’s mentorship had inspired him to extend the same gesture to the deceased’s son, Dr. Ogorchukwu Amuda, whom he is currently mentoring.

Describing the late traditional ruler as a man who never settled for less, Engr. Iboh Justice said his life exemplified the principle that success could only be achieved through hard work and perseverance.

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has asked anyone eyeing the office of Governor of the state to prayerfully seek the face and approval of God, saying only a truly God-fearing individual can succeed him.
Speaking during the state’s 15th thanksgiving at the Ecumenical Centre, Igbogene-Yenagoa on Monday, the Governor stated that nobody can say no to anyone okayed by God, emphasizing that the State had been handed over to God.
While stating that God will always have the final say on affairs of the state, the Governor stressed the need for people of the state to remain united, tolerant and peaceful, saying that it was the only way Bayelsa can witness the much needed development.
He stated the commitment of his administration to continue to impact on the lives of the people positively and that it had the political will to transform the state, which he said had one of the best environments for development.
While commending the people of the State for standing by his administration, Diri said, “All who want to be Governor, go and seek the face of God. Anyone who wants to be Governor must be God-fearing. If God said yes, nobody can say no, not even me.
“Let us continue to worship God. Let us be tolerant and patient as we will become victorious at the end of the day. The Bible itself recognises that it is good to give thanks to the Lord. Today we came to say thank you Father.
“As I keep saying, those of us who were born in Yenagoa or know Bayelsa of old can see the difference today. It is enough to give thanks. We’ve one of the best environments in Nigeria and with the political will we are bringing development to our people. “Dear people of Bayelsa, I thank you also for your support and for standing by this government.”
In a sermon, the guest preacher and former state chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Very Rev. Joseph Opelema, who spoke on the theme: “Called to be Good Christians and Good Citizens”, said Christians hold dual citizenship – citizens of the church and citizens of the society. society.
Drawing his message from Matthew 22:15-22, where the Pharisees attempted to trap Jesus on payment of tax, he said His response: “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God”, underscored the call for Christians to be good citizens.
According to the Catholic cleric, the Bible passage, which he said had often been misinterpreted, emphasised that Christians must bring the virtues of sacrifice, prudence, accountability, justice, love, care and charity to bear wherever they find themselves, especially in public office.
He lamented that there were many worshippers today but few live the Christian life, stressing that Jesus called on believers to be witnesses, salt of the earth, light of the world, and to use any public position in Bayelsa and Nigeria to serve and witness to Christ.
Rev. Opelema described Bayelsa as abundantly blessed with natural and human resources, full potential. good weather, land and rivers, capable of making it a tourism hub in Nigeria, adding that with a God-fearing leader, the state would in no distant time attain its full potential.
High points of the service were the unveiling of a book: “Lively Oracle” containing the scriptural declarations of the governor during morning devotions, and song ministrations by various Gospel artistes.
Deputy Governor of the state, Dr. Peter Akpe, and former Deputy Governors of the state, Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi and Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd.), as well as other top dignitaries attended the event.
Meanwhile, the Chairman, CAN, Bayelsa State Chapter and Conference President, Baptist Conference, Bayelsa State, Rev. Abili Samuel Abili has described the State as “God’s shining light”.
The CAN Chairman, who spoke with newsmen shortly after the 15th annual thanksgiving anniversary of the State at the ecumenical centre in Yenagoa, said Bayelsa exemplifies its love for God through the yearly thanksgiving, noting that God would continually reign his blessings on the State.

Ariwera Ibibo-Howells,
Yenagoa