…Gives 48 hours’ Ultimatum to comply
Katherine Abayomi.
Rumuekpe community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, after a massive protest as a result of Alleged marginalisation, deceit, and neglect of the community, has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Renaissance, formerly Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).
This Ultimatum is to address a series of grievances raised by the people, or face renewed protests.
Residents staged a massive protest at the Rumuekpe junction along the East-West Road, accusing the company of neglect and marginalisation despite decades of oil exploration in their community.
The Paramount Ruler of Rumuekpe Clan, HRH Eze Christian Amadi Evekwuru, lamented that Shell and its successor, Renaissance Africa, have marginalised the community for years.
“I have met with the youth, security agencies, Renaissance representatives, and even Shell officials. We gave them 48 hours to address our concerns. If nothing is done, the protests will resume.”
Eze Evekwuru also raised concerns about what he described as unauthorized dealings between Renaissance and a community member, Hyacinth Josiah, whom he accused of undermining community interests.
“Renaissance claimed they would not enter any host community without consulting the traditional leadership. However, we were shocked to discover that they had already engaged people led by Hyacinth Josiah, who has been terrorising the community and denying the youths and elders access to benefits.”
He further stated that Shell had consistently bypassed legitimate leadership, resulting in unkept promises and a lack of basic infrastructure in the community.
“There are no roads, no electricity. Oil is being taken from our land daily, yet we gain nothing. Renaissance must first come and engage the community properly before any operations can continue.”
The Youth President of Rumuekpe, Ovunda Umeka, stated similar sentiments and warned that Renaissance would not be allowed to operate in the community without first engaging with recognised leaders and addressing their demands.
“There’s a crisis in the community. Hoodlums are collecting money meant for everyone. We’re saying Shell or Renaissance should not step into Rumuekpe again until our issues are resolved,” he said. “We want peace, not conflict. But the marginalisation is too much. We want basic amenities, no road, no light, nothing for the people, let youths be carried along, that is what we want “
The community demands that Renaissance halt all operations in Rumuekpe until it officially engages with the rightful leadership and outlines clear commitments to development.
