Illegal Oil Refining: Ebubu Chiefs Urge Wike’s Takeover Of Akpa-Chara

Following the discovery of what can be likened to the largest illegal oil refining site in Akpa-Chara at Egbalorcommunity in Ebubu clan,Eleme Local Government Area, the Paramount Ruler of Ebubu,Emere Godwin Chinwi has called on the Rivers State Government to takeover the large expanse of land occupied by the bunkerers for developmental purposes.
Chinwi, who led Ebubu Council of Chiefs on a courtesy visit to Eleme Local Government Council Chairman, Chief Hon ObarilormateOllor, expressed shock at the discovery made by the LGA boss and his team during the enforcement of the war against illegal oil mining and bunkering activities as directed by the Rivers State Governor, Chief NyesomWike.
According to Chinwi, “We want to thank you for the discovery. Personally, I was shocked when I got the information.
“That land belongs to Egbalor community but due to its distance from the community, we don’t often farm there, and these bunkers have taken over that place. As a community, we are giving you the mandate to go after the operators of those illegal mining sites, arrest and prosecute them. We are also calling on the governor of Rivers State to take over that land and use it for any development project”, he said.
Commending the chairman for his swift approach to the issues of governance, Chinwi further proposed that the state government should consider building an ultra-modern international market at the Trailer Park, following it’s demolition and the return of roadside traders and deviants whose activities pose greater security risk to commuters accessing the community at night.
Chinwi hailed the chairman for prioritising Ebubu in the appointment of principal officers and stakeholders to drive the vision of his administration, and listed some of the needs of the community to include electricity/power supply and bad road network.
In his response, the Chairman, Eleme LGA, Chief ObarilormateOllor thanked Chinwi and his council for the visit, and assured them of his administration’s support.
Ollor reiterated his administration’s commitment to fullfil all his campaign promises to the people of Ebubu before the end of his administration.
He expressed concern on the rising issue of youth leadership, and stressed the need to harmonise all interested parties to avert any crisis.
Ollor urged the traditional institution to remain united, firm and resolute in offering leadership to their subjects, and by extension, demonstrate strong support for his administration as the custodian of culture and tradition.
It would be recalled that Akpa-Chara, a rich expanse of land running into several hectares with a body of water and palm trees, had been illegally occupied by oil miners and bunkerers whose activities pose tremendous health hazard to the people of Eleme and Rivers State.

By: Nelson Chukwudi