Nigeria-The people of oil rich Rumuekpe community,Emohua Local Government of Rivers State,in Niger Delta have kicked against divestment by Shell and other multinational without proper information,negotiation,Environmental remediation and justice.
During a media tour of the community organized by Social Development Integrated Centre(Social Action) led by Dr. Prince Edegbuo, the Senior Programs Officer of the organization,
on Thursday,19th December,2024 Hon Gaius Ajuru, a former Councilor Ward 8, Rumuekpe in EMOLGA said ” after Oloibiri,Rumuekpe was the second community crude oil was discovered.We were not informed of the divestment.The multinational oil companies must formally inform and engage us.
“We need to ask them certain questions.They need to give us answers to those questions.Who are they leaving their liability for.
“Rumuekpe is very strategic to oil production in Niger Delta.As somebody who has worked in flow station for more than 12 years,anytime there is Tanker Delay Operation,you must shut down flow station in Rumuekpe if not,Bonny terminal will be in problem.
“We are demanding Environmental remediation,human capital development,social ammenities,employment before we talk about divestment”
In her contribuction,Mrs Blessing Orijos representative of woman leader in Rumuekpe decried the level of environmental degradation experienced in the community.
She asserted that the Rivers are polluted.Fishing is no longer profitable.The soil for farming is contaminated which makes it impossible for good harvest of crops such as cassava,yam,coco yam etc.She disclosed that the situation has impacted the livelihood of the community negatively exposing the natives to harsh economic condition.
In his remarks,Chief Innocent Euro of Imogu village in Rumuekpe stated that Shell and other multinationals that operated in the community did not carry out any tangible project in the community.
“We need tangible something so that Youth,women can be employed.
“If we were in rainy season you people will not see road to pass to enter Rumuekpe.We are suffering despite the oil wells we have”.
Our correspondent saw crop produce such as cassava,yam,cocoa yam,plantain which was damaged by environmental pollution.