Ogua/Enuedua Clan Gives 14 Days Ultimatum To SPDC Over Negligence
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By Oyagiri ChimeThe people of Ogua/Enuedua Clan of Engenni ethnic nationality in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria have issued a14- days ultimatum to Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) through the Ogua/Enuedua Volunteer Youths Association.
The letter of ultimatum which was signed by the clan youths president, comr. Sampson Oviemenavaya Secretary, comr. Emels Oten and PRO, comr. Morris Echime respectively, stated that the only access road that links the communities to the outside world has become impassable for about two years without efforts to rehabilitate it.
It further stated that the company has neglected its corporate social responsibilities of giving the people succour in this time of perennial flooding.
The youth body through the letter anchored its anger on the seeming blunt refusal of SPDC to honour letters calling its attention to the deplorable situation by the clan’s traditional leadership.
According to them, the blatant disregard replayed itself in the manner the company representatives refused to acknowledge its letter.
The Youths decried Shell’s negligence over the years and stressed that since they have a duty to protect their people at all times, the only option left is to stage a protest to let the world know the plight of the people on the expiration of fourteen days ultimatum , which according to the letter would expire by midnight of Wednesday, October 15, 2020
The letter stated that all efforts to meet with Shell for a roundtable talks had not yielded the desired results.
Speaking further, Oviemenavaya, stated that the road which has become a death trap is the one that leads to Adibawa Flow Station where Shell operates about 48 oil wells.
He said due to the deplorable condition of the road, several accidents and death have occurred, adding that if it is not rehabilitated before the flood recedes, the road may completely collapse in to the Orashi River due to high current.
Also speaking, the Secretary of the body decried the absence of electricity in the area for over two years.
He said the electrical poles that transmitted light to the area have fallen into the Orashi River as a result of erosion for over two years, yet no efforts are being made to remedy the situation.
The youths lamented that they have become servants and watch helplessly as the oil in their land is taken away to enrich others.
“Since Shell came to our land in 1968, we are like lizards. we nod our heads whenever they pass.
“We have not benefited anything from them, yet, we can’t challenge them.
“Half of the only access road from Mbiama to Adibawa Flow Station which has about 48 oil wells, and used by Shell is already destroyed, but they don’t care. We are living in pains,” he said.
When asked what they would want Shell to do for the area, the youths said, “we need youth empowerment through skills acquisition training, scholarships, infrastructure electricity and portable water. We are calling on Shell to commence the rehabilitation of the part portion of our only access road that is about to completely collapse in to the Orashi River.”
Mr John Sunday a commercial motorcycle rider, who spoke to Bochnews, recalled that he almost lost his life at the collapsed portion of the road.
“Due to the narrow nature of the remaining part of the road, I couldn’t swerve so i collided with an on coming vehicle. The other vehicle burst into flames and the other person died,” he narrated.
