Rita Odafe
Angry Youths Protest Shutting Down SEEPCO OPL Oil Field in Bayelsa
Some angry youths from the Ijaw Youths Council and Onuebum community in Bayelsa State have taken action by shutting down the Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) oil field situated in Ogbia Local Government Area.
The protesters cited the company’s failure to adhere to the state government’s directives regarding negotiations with host communities and compliance with environmental laws, including the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
Over a hundred youths gathered at the oil well project site in OPL 2005 and halted operations, supported by the Onuebum youths, emphasizing the need for SEEPCO to respect the law and engage in discussions with the community.
Chanting Ijaw songs and carrying placards with messages demanding compliance with regulations, the protesters called for SEEPCO’s adherence to the EIA Act and the Petroleum Industry Act.
The Ijaw Youths Council Chairman, Comrade Samson Insurance Lucky, highlighted the company’s disregard for laws and community concerns, urging SEEPCO to engage in constructive dialogue and address the issues at hand.
Leaders of the Onuebum community, including the Paramount Ruler, echoed the call for SEEPCO to conduct the EIA and abide by the law, expressing dissatisfaction with the company’s actions and urging government intervention.
The Paramount Ruler emphasized the importance of SEEPCO’s compliance with regulations and urged the State Government to intervene and ensure the company’s adherence to established laws.
