Bayelsa Urges Shell, Host Communities Ties

The Bayelsa Government says it expects high level cooperation and understanding between Shell and its host communities in order to resolve issues amicably in the event of disputes.

The Bayelsa Deputy Governor, ChiefWerinipre Seibarugu, made the statement at a meeting, aimed at resolving a misunderstanding between the SPDC and Gbarain Community in Yenagoa. 

Our Correspondent reports that Seibarugu frowned at the incessant disagreement between the SPDC and its host communities in the state.

He said the government had keen interest in the Gbarain/Shell dispute because of its responsibility to ensure that there was mutually beneficial relationship between companies operating in the state and their host communities.

Seibarugu said the meeting was convened with a view to resolving the crisis between SPDC and the community, urging them to be honest in their contributions to achieve the desired results.

He described Gbarain Community as a peaceful area, saying that he had always enjoyed the cooperation of the people.

Speaking earlier, the member representing Yenagoa Constituency II in the state’s House of Assembly, Mr Ebipadei Fekoweimo, urged the SPDC to take into consideration the environmental and health hazards faced by the people and provide amenities that would adequately compensate the communities.