Belema community, Shell face-off : PANDEF wades in

As part of efforts aimed at protecting the Niger Delta Region from activities that are capable of destroying  the region, the Pan-Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF), has visited Belema Community in Kula Kingdom of Akuku-toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, following reports of alleged exploitation and abandonment by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).

Africa Update gathered that the decision to resolve the rift was part of the agenda of an emergency meeting of PANDEF, which held in Kiagbodo community in Delta State, with elder statesman and Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, as convener.

The fact finding visit on Friday, was to ascertain claims of ill-treatment which has led to a  protracted face-off between SPDC and Belema Community, host of Belema Flow Station.

People of Belema community have, in the past five months occupied the Belema Flow Station, a facility belonging to Shell, in their demand for the multinational oil company to leave the community.

Speaking to kula people, leader of the PANDEF delegation and a member of the Presidential Committee on Niger Delta, Elder Ogoriba Timi Kaiser Wilhelm, urged them to remain peaceful and protect the facilities in their community.

He assured them that PANDEF will do everything to bring justice to the people.

Responding on behalf of the people of Kula Kingdom, the traditional ruler, King Biobelum Oko, said “An attempt to renew Shell licence in OML 25 means death sentence to Kula people called on international community to come to their aid. We will use all peaceful way to follow it up. Give Belema oil and gas OML 25 please.

The delegation which took news men to inspect some of the oil installations in OML 25, visited Offoin-Ama community where the community head, Chief Ibiosiya Nathaniel Sukubo said there are no basic amenities in the community provided by Shell as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

At Belema community, a youth activist, Prince Datonye Sukubo, said the oil giant do not have any programme for the youths of the kingdom, pointing out that “for over fourty years of operation their is nothing to show for.

“Belema oil and gas an indigenous company who is currently operating OML 58 and who is also their son knows their plight, he should take over OML 25.”