Niger Delta
Chevron Fire Takes Toll On Bayelsa Communities
The American Oil giant, Chevron, is yet to put off the inferno that engulped its facilities at Funniwa Oil Field in Brass Local Governent Area of Bayelsa State, two weeks after the inciddent.
While the incident is taking its toll on social and economic lives of the residents of the affected communities the company appears to be comfortable in arranging cash and materials to some influential people in the area in order to down play its danger while correspondents of five national newspapers have been contracted to write stories and features articles favourable to the company with promise of giving “good public relations” packages commensurate with their write-ups.
While this ding dong affairs are going on, the impacted communities of Koluama clan are faced with eminent outbreak of epedimic disease, a result of intensive heat, pollution of their environment and regular contact of rotten acquatic animals and fishes.
Piqued by the non- challant attitude of the company and relunctance to put off the fire, the Acting Governor of the State, Chief Nestor Binabo who visited the community on Tuesday, called for immediate remedy to address the situation.
Chief Binabo directed chevron to take immediate step towards paying compensation to the people. Addressing the chiefs, elders and people of Akassa, one of the impacted communitiecs, the Acting Governor expressed concern over the devastation caused by the gas explosion, saying that it has caused grave health hazard and degradation to the ecosystem.
Chief Binabo said, since the incident occurred, Chevron had failed to demonstrate its social and corporate responsibility to the impacted communities as the explosion was as a result of the company’s negligence, stating that if something is not done to alleviate the plight of the people, government would seek redress through every available legal means.
He promised that government on its part, would send relief materials and a team of medical personnel as soon as possible towards providing succour to the people of the impacted communities and commended them for their peaceful conduct over the matter. Chief Binabo urged the people to continue to maintain the peace and be law- abiding.
Also Speaking, the Secretary to State Government, Prof Millionaire Abowei explained that the purpose of the visit was to enable government have a first-hand knowledge of the level of devastation caused by the explosion as well as to find out how the people were coping.
The Secretary to the Akassa Council of Chiefs, Chief Baralaye Kuleha expressed appreciation to the Acting Governor and his entourage for identifying with them, adding that over 25 communities and settlements were impacted by the gas explosion in Akassa and that the operations of Chevron, had affected their health as well as the ecosystem.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Rt Hon Evans Bipi, has eulogised Gen Gabriel Asabuja over his recent birthday celebration in Port Harcourt.
Bipi said Asabuja is worth celebrating following his numerous contributions and support to the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He described Asabuja as a strong pillar of governance in Rivers State, adding that the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning is happy working with him.
He noted that Asabuja’s position as a team leader of the Ministry’s taskforce has been amazing, saying the Ministry is proud associating with him.
The former lawmaker hinted that since Asabuja assumed office as leader of the taskforce, the Ministry has witnessed tremendous improvement.
Bipi said the Ministry will always stand by him to ensure that the dreams of the Governor Fubara-led government are achieved.
On his part, the celebrant, Gen Gabriel Asabuja expressed gratitude to God and the Commissioner for the honour done him.
Gen Asabuja also commended Governor Fubara for his tremendous and good leadership in the State, saying his group will continue to give the Governor maximum support in order to achieve more for Rivers people.
Gen Asabuja described Rt Hon Evans Bipi as one of the best brains working with the Governor, saying under Bipi, the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning has shown capacity to leverage on the Governor’s mantra of Rivers First.
He said both the personnel of the Ministry, the Directors and adhoc staff are happy with his style of leadership.
The Joint Provincial Council, East of the Niger, Anglican Communion, held its 2025 Annual General Meeting at St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery, Diocese of Evo from Saturday 15th — Sunday 16th February, 2025.
The meeting which had the theme, “Kept By His Mercies”, with text from Lamentations 3:22-23, had the Archbishops, Bishops, their wives, Chancellors, Financial Secretaries and Synod Clerical Secretaries of the 58 Dioceses as delegates.
At the opening ceremony on Saturday, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Chairman of the Council, Most Rev Blessing Enyindah, charged delegates to stay focused and committed to the matters for discussion and implement decisions reached for the growth of the Church in the region and the advancement of the business of God’s Kingdom.
Most Rev Enyindah, who is also the Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province and Bishop of the Diocese of Ikwerre, lauded the Diocese of Evo for the giant strides recorded in just 15 years of existence while tasking the leadership not to rest on its oars but to strive further to complete the work of the Kingdom in their hands.
Addressing the council in his welcome address, the Bishop of the Diocese of Evo and host of the Joint Council, The Rt Rev Innocent Ordu, welcomed the delegates, and reminded them that the theme is apt and fit as it reminds the Church of God’s inexplicable and instructible mercy towards mankind, which supersedes His righteous judgements.
Bishop Ordu further lamented the many challenges bedeviling the country, such as skyrocketing cost of living, ravaging sicknesses and ailments, proliferation of harmful drugs, natural disasters, high level corruption in public offices, inept political leadership, amongst others, which he said could not consume mankind because of God’s mercies.
In their separate speeches, delegates saluted the Diocese of Evo for willingly accepting to host the council and the comfort they enjoyed during their stay.
Earlier, the council appointed the Synod’s Clerical Secretary of the Diocese of Evo, Rev (Canon) (Dr) Ebenezer Owhor as the Assistant Secretary of the Joint Council.
Also, before the commencement of plenary, the women of St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery thrilled delegates to good traditional tunes and dance steps while His Royal Highness Eze( Sir) Raymond Chinda led the chiefs and elders of Rumuomasi community in Oropotoma Kingdom, to appreciate the council for choosing the community to host the meeting.
They solicited for prayers of peace, unity and development from the council.
The meeting ended on Sunday evening while the Archbishops and Bishops worshipped in various churches in the Diocese of Evo.