A coalition of civil societies Organisations, Community Leaders, Farmers Have Called on President Bola Tinubu To Halt the divestment of SHELL Petroleum company from leaving the shores of Niger/Delta Without adequate compensation
they said the protest was to inform the Governor to let President Tinubu to stand with the people of Niger Delta and uphold the values of justice fairness, environmental protection by Halting Shell Total Energies and other IOC from divestment and demand accountability, As this will send a powerful message that Nigerians sovereignty and welfare of its citizens are paramount
The protesters which comprise of, Social Action, Health Of Mother Earth Founder(HOMEF),HEDA Resource Centre, Kebetkache Women Development Resource Centre, oil impacted communities, youth bodies, students carried placard with different inscriptions such as “We Demand Full Health, Environmental Livelihood and Water Audit of the Niger Delta”, “Halt All Divestments Process In Niger Delta, “Umuechem Mascara Unresolved” amongst other matched through major streets in Portharcourt and terminated at Rivers State Government where Dr. Prince Edegbu, Senior Programs Officer of Social Action presented letter containing demands of the CSOs and Communities to the Rivers State Government to transmit to the President.
Addressing Newsmen in Govt house, Dr Prince Edegbuo Of Social Action said ‘Approving Shell SPDCs share sale would send a dangerous Message to all Oil Multinationals corporation’s operating in Nigeria that they can extract Resources, leaves devastation behind and walkaway without consequences, This is not just a question of corporate accountability. its is about Nigeria’s sovereignty, dignity and rights to live in a clean and safe environment
Also addressing the protesters Newsman in Government house, The Program Manager of HOMEF/ERA Kentebe Ebiaridor listed some of their demands as follow
- immediate halt of all divestment process until a transparent Comprehensive and inclusive reviews is undertaken
- Ensure inclusive and transparent Consultation with state govt and the people of sites of oil and gas in Niger delta
- Hold Shell, Total Energies and all other IOCs accountable for past and ongoing environmental damage and ensure they fund full cleanup
- Uphold the Regulatory independence of NUPRC and all it to fulfill its statutory duties without political interference
- Respect the Resolution of the National Assembly which has called for halt in divestment
- ensure that new operators are properly vetted and committed to environmental management and community welfare’
- create An Environmental Restoration fund
- provide community profit sharing opportunities
- Mandate full disclosure
- include Gas flaring cessation and decommissioning plans
- Account for carbon emission related to divested assets and propose mitigation plans that align with Nigeria climate commitments
Our correspondent reports that the head of Secret Police in Rivers State Government house received the letter of protest on behalf of the Governor Siminalayi Fubara.