In a bid to forestall further tension and restore normalcy, the Rivers State House of Assembly has initiated mediation efforts to settle the dispute between the B‑Dere community and Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited over a May 7, 2025 oil spill in Gokana Local Government Area.
The Assembly’s Committee on Public Complaint and Petition convened a closed-door meeting with representatives from both sides.
The gathering, led by Committee Chair Hon. Enemi George, marks the first official step toward resolving long-standing grievances raised by community members.
Community inhabitants had complained that the spill severely disrupted their livelihoods and posed serious health hazards. The petition filed by residents prompted swift action from the Assembly’s leadership. According to Hon. George, the Assembly Speaker mandated an immediate intervention once the petition was received.
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Speaking to journalists after the session, Hon. George praised the respectful and cooperative attitude of both parties. He emphasized the Assembly’s role as a neutral arbiter tasked with restoring peace in the state.
“Our job is to facilitate resolutions between our people and outside parties to safeguard stability,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the next meeting, now scheduled following initial goodwill from both sides, will address all outstanding concerns.
In the meantime, he called on both the company and the B-Dere community to maintain calm and refrain from actions that could aggravate tensions.
With the Assembly’s ongoing oversight, stakeholders hope the mediation process will produce a fair agreement restoring safety and stability to B-Dere.
