NLC’s Picketing Committee Chairman, Comrade Franklin Ariolu (2nd left), addressing members of the union on the nationwide picketing of PHED offices in Port Harcourt on Monday.

The Shell Petroleum De
velopment Company (SPDC), has been asked to stop its activities at Apara Flow Station I, in Obio/Akpor Local Government, following the expiration of its oil exploration work in the area.
The Paramount Ruler Nye-Nwe-Eli Rumuola, HRH Eze (Dr) Oziri C. Oziri, said this during a peaceful protest at the location, last week.
He said the two landlord communities Rumuokwuta and Rumuola, decided to evict the oil giant since it was done with its economic activities in the area.
Oziri noted that the landlords never benefitted from shell’s presence since 1958 when the company commenced operations on their soil.
They are also asking for remediation and other rights in order to enable them re-possess their land, which the company has occupied for about 58 years.
The paramount ruler of Rumuola, who also is the spokesman of both communities, said the aim of the protest was to inform the government and the entire world how badly the oil company had treated them over the decades.
It was learnt that Apara Location I was the first in Apara and Akpor after that of Oloibiri in Bayelsa State.
“All other locations have been relinquished to their landlords which are now under use, except Apara Location I. Why is ours different?” he queried.
The royal father pointed out that since Shell’s arrival to their communities; they had never recorded any crisis it is visible in other areas, saying it would be worthwhile for the oil firm to locate their land in the same spirit.
According to the royal father, the communities demand was their fundamental right and not a ransom as no hostage was taken.
It was further gathered that the company has men of the police force at the facilities to check and monitor the activities of the indigenes as to prevent any vandalisation of company property.
When contacted on phone by The Tide, Shell’s spokesperson, Joseph Obara, said: “SPDC is working to conclude handover of the land in question to the owners, in accordance with applicable laws. Incidental issues are also being addressed for final close out.”