Rumuekpe in Emohua local government area of Rivers State has staged a protest against a multinational company in the area, the Renaissance Africa Energy Company Ltd (formerly Shell) for alleged neglect despite years of operation in the community.
The protest is ongoing at the community junction along the East West road.
The King of Rumuekpe, Eze Christian Amadi Evekwuru JP said in an interview that for many years, previous owners of the company maginalized Rumuekpe and that the new owners promised not to start operation without clearance from the Royal Highness.
“For over ten years, SHELL has maginalized Rumuekpe. About a month ago, the company held a meeting with all stakeholders and promised not to start operation in any of the communities without clearance from the Royal Highness or the leader of the community without being introduced by the NDDC but surprisingly, someone else is a rotating the role” Eze Evekwuru said.
The youth Leader, Ovunda Umeka said they do not want the company to enter Rumuekpe until they pay the community stating that they do not have roads, light and that the community is like a forest.
“As I talk to you now, there is crisis in Rumuekpe. The hoodlums want to invade Rumuekpe. As I talk to you now, the Renaissance has gone to the community and no other body. They have collected the money meant for Rumuekpe. We don’t want the company to enter Rumuekpe until they pay Rumuekpe.
We don’t have road, we don’t have light, nothing nothing, our community is just like a forest. We dont want to fight, we’re telling the people that the maginalization is too much. The company’s representative should go back and tell their Head” the youth Leader said.
