By: Felix Ikpotor
Sequel to the discovery of what can be regarded as the largest illegal oil mining site in Akpa-Chara, Egbalor Community in Ebubu clan of Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, paramount ruler of the community, HRH Emere Godwin Yorgba Chinwi has called on the Rivers State Government to takeover the large expanse of land occupied by the bunkers for developmental purpose.
Akpa-Chara, a rich expanse of land running into several hectares with a body of water and palm trees has been illegally occupied by oil miners and bunkers whose activities pose tremendous health hazard to the people of Eleme and Rivers State.
Chinwi who stated this when he led the Ebubu Council of Chiefs on a courtesy visit to Eleme Local Government Council, Obarilormate Ollor expressed shock at the discovery made by the chairman and his team during the enforcement of war against illegal oil mining and bunkering activities as directed by the State Governor.
According to the traditional ruler, “we want to thank you for the discovery. Personally I was shocked when I got the information. That land belongs to Egbalor community but due to its distance from the community, we don’t often farm there and this bunkers have taken over that place. As a community we are giving you the mandate to go after the operators of those illegal mining site, arrest and prosecute them. We are also calling on the Executive Governor of Rivers State to take up that land and use it for any development project”.
Commending the council chairman for his swift approach to governance, the monarch further proposed that the state government consider building an ultramodern international market at trailer park, following it’s demolition and the return of roadside traders and deviants whose activities pose greater security risk to commuters accessing the community at night.
Responding, Ollor thanked Chinwi and his council for the visit and assured them of his administration’s support.
He reiterated his administrations commitments to fulfilling all his campaign promises to the people of Ebubu before the end of his administration.
The council boss expressed concerns over the rising issue of youth leadership and stressed on the need to harmonize all interested parties to avert any crisis.
Ollor urged the traditional institution to remain united, firm and resolute in offering leadership to their subjects and by extension demonstrate strong support for his administration as the custodian of culture and tradition.
