News

Shell, Group Disagree Over JIV Reports

Published

11 years ago

March 27, 2015

Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth, Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) and Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) have disagreed on oil spills investigation process in Bayelsa.
ERA/FoEN, an environment focused NGO has accused SPDC of withholding Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) reports of oil spill incidents traced to equipment failure to evade payment of compensation and promptly report sabotage induced spills.
The NGO explained that the oil firm has been engaging in the act of denying host communities in the Niger Delta access to JIV reports indicting the company over oil spill incidents.
The group, in a statement issued byHead of Field Operation of ERA/FoEN in Yenagoa, Mr Alagoa Morris also accused Shell of deploying security operatives to intimidate the communities and deny them of vital JIV reports.
It listed Ikarama and Biseni communities of Bayelsa State and Joinkrama 4, and Edagberi/Betterland communities in Rivers as some of the communities the company had denied JIV reports.
“SPDC often clandestinely denies the communities of the JIV reports; many of which are equipment failure-related oil spills. Shell has continued to deny the people of JK4 ,Ikarama and Biseni JIV reports craftily and, this is unacceptable.
“They withhold such reports from the communities and fail to post most of such incidents on the company’s spill incident website; the particular spill incident numbers are often quoted when giving out clean-up contracts.
“One such incident number is 900866 and relates to a 2012 spill which occurred at Shell’s Okordia Manifold at Ikarama which is conspicuously missing in SPDC’s website.
“After signing the JIV, Shell refused to give out the community copy on the pretext that they need to photocopy the report,on the way they forced down the community representatives from the vehicle and sped off “ the statement read in part.
The NGO further noted the major spill from Shell’s 6 inches Adibawa North pipeline in Kilama,Biseni in May, 2013, which polluted the Taylor Creek and several communities, the JIV report was also withheld by Shell officials.
“After community representatives had signed the JIV with other stakeholders, Shell’s representatives said they will sign their own inside their car. On getting to the car, they zoomed off with the JIV report”, the statement alleged.
“That was another equipment failure spill and Shell has adopted the roguish act of denying the communities any such official records implicating the company”, ERA/FoEN said.
ERA/FoEN insisted it was the right of communities to have JIV reports signed by them and other stakeholders, stressing that it was wrong for Shell to withhold the report which was supposed to form part of community records.
ERA/FoEN said that Shell underestimated spilled crude volume during JIVs reports of equipment failure related spills but inflated the quantity of spilled oil when it was attributed to oil theft.
Corporate Medial Relations (Manager) in SPDC, Precious Okolobo in a reaction stated, that the oil firm conducts Joint Investigation Visits of spill sites in line with government regulations.
Okolobo explained that whenever a spill occurs, efforts are made to contain the spill, with access to the spill site usually a critical factor in shaping the response.
According to him, there have been instances where individuals, community groups or armed gangs have denied SPDC access to spill sites.
“SPDC categorically denies these allegations, the JIV team is led by the operating company and includes representatives of the regulatory bodies and the Ministry of Environment.
“Officers of the Nigerian Police Force, the relevant state government personnel and impacted communities also attend.
“Civil society members are invited to join these joint investigation visits as observers to the process.
“Allegations of intimidation or exclusion of community people in JIVs in Ikarama, Biseni or any other areas are untrue and completely baseless. Also, allegations that we withheld JIV reports from people are false,” Okolobo said.
However, The Tide investigations indicated that most spill incidents induced by equipment failure are rarely reported by SPDC on its spill incident website.
Michael Ibobra, who resides in one of Shell’s host communities in Southern Ijaw LGA said that the oil firm was insincere and merely runs the web portal to blackmail the communities as vandals and evade paying compensation.
“They rarely report major spill incidents traced to equipment failure, look at the Seibou oil well incident that occurred since January 23, was it reported on their so called website? Go and check for yourself.
“The JIV of that incident said it was traced to equipment failure but Shell unilaterally said from their London Office that 550 barrels was spilled days before the JIV, so how did they know the volume when it was failure of the pipeline which was unanticipated.
“It goes to show that the JIV process has been abused to the advantage of the operator, and we are not naïve. Till date the January 23, spill has not been reported but they have all reported other spills caused by sabotage, “ Ibobra said.

News

Association Seeks Government Intervention in Desilting of Canal

Published

7 hours ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

The Rumuokania 2 New layout Landlords Association in the Obio/Akpor local government area of Rivers State is seeking the intervention of the Rivers State Government in the desilting of the canal which transverses several communities including Mgbaraja,Ogbogoro,Egbule,Elioparanwo,Ozuoba and other communities in the area.

The Association which said this at a media briefing in Port Harcourt also lauded Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the construction of the Rumuoke/pipeline internal roads.

The landlords said the canal impede the free flow of water from the affected communities thereby causing severe flooding whenever it rains in the area.

The Association also commended the governor for the ongoing construction and rehabilitation of road across the state, adding, the gesture has not only rekindled hope of Rivers people for a better tomorrow,but has bought prosperity across communities in the state.

According to a Press release made available to news men during the briefing,”We are gathered here today to express immense appreciation to His Excellency, the Governor of Rivers State,Sir Fubara, GSSRS,for the construction of the Rumuoke/pipeline Internal roads.

“We also wish to use this medium to request the desilting of the Canal transversing the area and the construction of adjoining roads to the area.

“We acknowledge with profound gratitude the transformative governance going on in Rivers State under the purposely and impactful leadership of Governor Fubara.

“The visible impact of his administration across all sectors, particularly the rehabilitation and construction of new roads,has rekindled hope among the people and brought prosperity to our communities”The Association said.

The landlords particularly praised the Governor for the successful completion of the Rumuoke Road from Okilton junction off Ada George Road to Road 9-2nd & 3rd Avenue, Road 10-2nd Avenue and 3rd Avenue, and Pipeline Road upto the canal, expertly executed by Monier Construction Company (MCC).

They noted that,prior to the intervention of the Governor,the road was in an extremely deplorable state, impassable, and prone to flash floods whenever it rains.

“Most houses and business premises were often flooded as people could hardly leave or access the area,while economic activities were completely paralyzed.

“The newly constructed internal roads have completely eased traffic in the area, boosted economic activities, and improved the quality of life of residents of Rumuokania and Rumuoke communities”

The release which was jointly signed by pastor Joel Gbandi, chairman of The Association and Lucky Ashley Atiegoba secretary,on behalf of the Landlords also expressed gratitude to the Governor for the construction of all internal roads in the area.

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It however drew the , attention of the Governor to an emerging issue which they said poses threat to the durability of this critical road infrastructure.

According to the landlords,”at the terminus of the newly constructed pipeline road, the adjoining canal is severely blocked, impeding the free flow of water .

“The canal serves as a vital waterway, traversing several communities, including Rumuokania, Mgbraja, Ogbogoro, Egbelu, Elioparanwo, Mini-Orlu, Rumue-vorlu, Rumuokwachi, Ozuoba, Iwofe, Rumuolumeni, Rumuepirikom, and Mini-kete, among other communities.

“This obstruction has caused water to back up onto the surface of the newly constructed road, leading to accelerated erosion and hazardous conditions for surrounding buildings, motorists, and pedestrians alike within RumuokaniaRumuoke communities.

“It is against this backdrop that we respectfully request the kind intervention of our dear Governor in this regard:

” We humbly request the desilting of the canal to restore proper drainage and prevent water overflowonto the newly constructed internal roads and flooding within the communities.

“. We also request the construction of adjoining roads to the area to provide alternative pathways and improve overall accessibility in the area.

“Addressing these germane concerns will not only safeguard the investment of the state government in road infrastructure in the area but will also mitigate flooding, enhance safety, and further elevate the living standards of residents of Rumuokania and Rumuoke communities”the landlords said.

By: John Bibor

News

Rivers Judges Begin Christmas Vacation Dec 23

Published

9 hours ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

Judges of the High Courts of Rivers State will proceed on this year’s Christmas and New Year vacations on Tuesday, 23rd December 2025.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Registrar, State High Court, David Ihua-Maduenyi, on behalf of the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Chibuzor Amadi, and made available to newsmen over the weekend.

The statement stated that judges will commence the yuletide vacation from Tuesday, 23rd of December 2025, and resume on Monday, January 12, 2026.

According to the statement, the directive is in compliance with the provision of Order 49 Rule 4(C) of the High Court of Rivers State Civil Procedure Rule, 2023.

The statement added that during the period of the vacation, all judicial divisions of the High Court of the State shall remain closed, while a vacation judge shall be designated to entertain only urgent applications and matters filed during the vacation.

By: Akujobi Amadi

News

Govt-Approved Land Authority Emerges In Alesa To End Land Grabbing

Published

9 hours ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

Land grabbing and crisis of fraudulent land sales may soon be a thing of the past as Rivers State begins experimenting the community land development committee system.

The experiment saw the light of day in Alesa Eleme where the Alesa Land Development Commiittee (ALDEC) was inaugurated last Friday by the paramount ruler of Alesa, Emperor J.D. Mkpe.

The Alesa community where the Port Harcourt refineries are situated has implemented the recommended formula with the strong support of the paramount ruler said to be a respected leader known for his commitment to peace, education, community development, and support for law enforcement, often advocating for better infrastructure and governance in his area.

Inaugurating the committee headed by a businessman, Mr. Emmanuel Olaka, the paramount ruler recounted the contributions of his community to economic development of the nation.

“Alesa is one of the 10 communities in Eleme and we are the first community in Nigeria that has refineries. The Port Harcourt Refinery (1&2) that has a lot of pipelines surrounding us. We have done a lot of contribution in making sure Nigeria stands great among all nations.

“We are made up of about 13 communities due to expansion. When I say 13 communities, Alesa is a community that has embraced other people. You can see here some people from the northern community. All the communities are here. That is why Alesa is known as a cosmopolitan community.

“Because we have got a lot of information about sale of land, and because we now have a situation whereby other persons will go into another person’s land and sell without the owner’s notice. We have also got information about minors who are not qualified to sell landed property, now selling land without letting their elders know.

“And that is why today, we are going to inaugurate a land development committee whose duty is to see into all these issues and bring up report about them. This will make both buyers and sellers feel very free in Alesa.

“We seize this opportunity to warn thus: if you sell any land to anybody without this committee’s knowledge or consent, you are doing it at your own risk. If you are buying any land from Alesa, this committee will know. By this, we will track those selling the land to you so that you don’t buy land from a wrong person. We also do not want you to buy land from an under-aged persons (children) who will sell land and run away.

According to him, we are also partnering with the Rivers State government on the project because those who buy land in Alesa with due process would be backed all the way to acquisition of certificate of occupancy (CofO).

“We are duly registered and we hereby show the world our certificate of registration and recognition. This is not a shabby arrangement. We have the registration and the authority which we have here as a body approved by the government to go into this development. This also is the registered constitution of the body.

“We will also make sure that whatever land you buy here, will be registered with the government of Rivers State through the office of the Surveyor-General and the Ministry of Land and that of Housing. This is to permanently stop land grabbers,

“We want you to buy and develop, not to keep for decades. Failure to develop your land after five years, the land will be forfeited to the government of Rivers State as a ‘waste land’ that you do not want to develop. So we are here not to maltreat any individual, we are not here to punish anyone, but to make sure your money is safe.

“We are optimistic that this strategy will work for us all. One of the greatest persons who has been able to identify with us is the Mayor of Housing. He has been friendly to us and to our aspirations.

Speaking immediately after the inauguration, the chairman of Alesa Land Development Committee, Mr. Emmanuel Olaka, vowed never to betray his community.

“I want to extend my sincere appreciation to the Alesa Council of Chiefs, the women, the youths, for nominating me to be the chairman of the Alesa Land Development Committee. I want to say this afternoon that I, Emmanuel Olaka, a bonafide son of Alaka, from Uwueke community, I will never disrespect this community. I will always do what is right, so that my God will always stand by me. I will not be biased.”

Also speaking, the Mayor of Housing, My-ACE China, who is behind the Alesa Sustainable Green Smart City, commended the community for leading the way and the war against land grabbing and land fraud.

He said the development would augur well for the green city being initiated in the area and other projects coming to Alesa.

He urged other communities in Rivers State and beyond to move fast and inaugurate such committees to put an end to land grabbing.