Niger Delta
Alleged Neglect: SPDC Finally Bows To Pressure …Restores Power To Cluster Communities Amidst Protest
Few days after heated protest over alleged neglect by community members of the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Nigeria operated cluster communities of Kolo Creek Oil field in the Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, the oil firm has restored electricity supply to the four communities of Otuasega, Elebele, Oruma (Yiba-Ama), and Imiringi.
It would be recalled that the four communities, midweek shut down the manifold owned and operated by the multinational company over alleged neglect of their communities.
The Tide further reports that earlier during the protest, the firm’s logistics base in the same area and adjoining facilities were also barricaded by the protesting youths, midweek.
Though the protest was conducted peacefully, the visibly angry members of the communities noted that after exhausting all negotiation avenues to call the firm to order, there was no other option but taking to the streets to demonstrate their anger and frustration due to what they believed to be the company’s intentional neglect on the plight of their communities.
Speaking with newsmen during the protest, the Chairman, Action Committee on the Restoration of Power Supply to the Kolo Creek Cluster Communities, who also doubles as the Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairman, Elebele Community, Mr. Okala Precious, said they were angry over the failure of the oil company to restore electricity supply to the area despite several meetings, explaining that the protest was carried out as a last resort to draw attention to their plight, following several talks.
“We’re a peace-loving people and in as much as we want our country, state and local government to survive, we’ll always give peace a chance.
“Why we’re out today was due to SPDC’s nonchalant attitude towards our plights after a meeting we had with them under the invitation of the State Government in which the company was given a three-day final ultimatum after the expiration of an initial two weeks and several other ultimatums. That last meeting was held on 14th May, 2024.
“What we’re demanding isn’t too much for the SPDC to do for our communities. After all, they cannot compare the amount of resources they extract from our land to the light we’re demanding from them.
“Even the rationing aspect they came up with, we’re not seeing. The two generating sets they installed are totally down. All that the four communities are asking is for them to restore power. Let it not be as if Shell base enjoys uninterrupted power supply while our communities are in darkness. The government and the law enforcement agencies are aware that this protest is peaceful.
“The manifold and rig located at Otuasega have been shut down and the major location at Imiringi is also shut down. We know very well that by the time Shell compares and contrasts their loss and what they are supposed to give to us, their loss will be much greater.
“So, they should cooperate with us. We’re demanding that a 10 megawatt generating plant or a mini gas turbine that will better serve the Kolo Creek Cluster communities be installed”, he said.
Meanwhile, the Chairman, CDC, Otuasega Community, Mr Nyamono Sydney Ezuzua, said that since 1973 the multinational company commenced exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons in the communities, there has not been commensurate human capital and infrastructural development in the area.
Ezuzu noted that the near perennial blackout in the communities upon the breakdown of the recently installed power plant (now maintained) in the area has worsened their living conditions and economic woes.
Earlier, Ezuzu said: “SPDC has not done anything tangible for the host communities of Otuasega, Elebele, Imiringi and Oruma (Yiba-Ama) since it began operations in this area in 1973.
“They don’t give us jobs, no infrastructure, no water, no good roads. And now they’ve denied us electricity, the only thing we’re proud of as host communities.
“We’ll protest peacefully until they attend to our plights. We want power restored to our communities. And until that’s done we’ll not stop protesting. That’s because before this protest, we met with this company and gave them multiple ultimatums to at least treat us well, but they’re adamant”.
Ariwera Ibibo-Howells,
Yenagoa
The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages
The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.