Desmond Iwuchukwu
Scores of residents of the Bodo community in Gokana Local Government Area have embarked on a peaceful protest over alleged failure in the leadership of their community and also demanding compensation from the oil multinationals operating ruptured pipelines in the area.
The protesters who were holding placards with different inscriptions insisted that the leadership of the community should be changed
The protesters alleged that the Traditional Leadership in Bodo has compromised with the oil multinationals since the occurrence of the different oil spills in the area
They also demand the removal of the traditional leadership and called for the installation of a new paramount ruler in the Bodo Community who will protect the interest of the people.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the protesters, Peter Mongia told journalists that they have passed a vote of no confidence on the traditional leadership of the Bodo community.
He said that the process of seeking a new leader is already in place.
”You see today is a clear demonstration that we’re no longer interested in the governance of the Paramount Ruler of Bodo John Sunday Beribon. We’ve adopted 18 resolutions to substantiate our case. I want to tell you that we have passed a vote of no confidence in him. Not only him, the entire Members of the Council of Chiefs. We’ve taken the decision that they are no longer our leaders. The process of seeking a new leader is already in progress” he said.
Addressing the protesters, the Divisional Police Officer, Kpor Police Station, Dr. Prince Adeyemi appealed to the protester members of the Bodo community not to take laws into their hands.
He also asked the protesters to use constitutional means to demand their rights.
Our correspondent reports that the protesters also visited the Gokana Local Government Secretariat and the Palace of the Gberemene of Gokana to present their protest letters.
