Tina Amanda
The people of Umuekwune in Okoro-Agu-Omuakwuru of Igboo-Kingdom in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State have threatened to shut down operations of pipelines owned by two multinational companies operating in the area for neglect.
The warning and threat was issued during a protest carried out by the people of the community on Thursday.
The Paramount ruler of the community, Eze INNOCENT NWOSU who spoke during the protest said Umuekwune family which is the host family of the pipeline has suffered neglects from Agip and Indorama companies operating in the community, adding that the community can no longer tolerate the intimidation from the companies.
According to him, since 1991 the Umuekwune family gave Agip their land to operate, they are yet to benefit from the company, stressing that all necessary documents to prove that they are the host community have been sent severally to Agip for confirmation.
Eze NWOSU also lamented that rather than the companies dealing with the host family, it has continued to transact with different people who are not members of the family.
He appealed to the state government and all relevant security agencies to intervene in the matter for the right things to be done.
He called on the Management of Indorama Petrochemical company to desist from its plans of employing about thirty people for surveillance jobs, adding that the company cannot be recruiting and no one member of Umuekwune Family is captured in the employment.
The Youth leader, CHIJIOKE ONYEGUROM, said the youths of the community won’t stay silent and watch their inheritance taking away from them.
He stressed that the community has patiently waited for the appropriate thing to be done for so long, adding that as indigenes and youths they are ready to fight for their right if nothing is done to address the situation.
