PROTESTERS DEMAND COMPENSATION FROM RENAISSANCE ENERGY OVER BRASS CREEK MANIFOLD LAND By Chris Mark
PROTESTERS DEMAND COMPENSATION FROM RENAISSANCE ENERGY OVER BRASS CREEK MANIFOLD LAND
By Chris Mark
Members of the Burumuke Sana Family and the Peretoru-Gbene Federated Communities in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State has staged a peaceful protest against Renaissance African Energy Company Limited, over alleged unlawful occupation of their land and non-payment of compensation.
The protesters said the land, measuring 7,382.905 square metres, hosts the Brass Creek Oil and Gas Manifold and Heliport.
The facility links the Tunu, Opukushi, and Beniseide Flow Stations to the Forcados Terminal in Delta State.
Speaking during the protest at the manifold, family representatives and community leaders accused the company, formerly Shell Petroleum Development Company Limited, SPDC, of years of neglect and “divide and rule” tactics against the rightful customary owners.
Chief Ken Aguna and Mrs. Butter Felix-Anebi, a former women leader of the community, said Renaissance Energy has continued to sideline the Burumuke Sana Family despite several petitions to the company, the Bayelsa State Government, the Police Command, the Joint Task Force, and other agencies.
According to them, for several years, SPDC and now Renaissance, has neglected and marginalised the lawful customary title owners of the said land, adding that they have exhausted their patience.
Mr. Bonaze Maxwell Burumuke, Head of the Burumuke Sana Family, said he has endured court cases, financial strain, psychological trauma, and ill health in the struggle for recognition.
Speaking on behalf of the Amananaowei of Peretoru-Gbene Federated Communities, Dr. Timi Odikeme Okere, Foukeregha IV, the Secretary to the Chiefs Council, Chief Awulu Dumbo, and Chief Edward Ayiba said it is common knowledge in the community that Maxwell Burumuke is the authentic owner and that there has been no contest over the land for decades.
Affirming the family’s claim to ownership, the community leadership called on Renaissance Energy to, as a matter of urgency, reach an understanding with the family and pay adequate compensation in line with global best practices.
Other chiefs, including Chief Osadebe Okoun and Chief Tekearede Oyabrade, said the family has not been compensated since an assessment was conducted by Julius Berger in 1993.
They said Renaissance African Energy Company Limited’s continued refusal to pay compensation and other royalties to the family, and its exclusion of them from development benefits, is totally unacceptable.
The protesters urged Renaissance Energy to mend its ways with the Burumuke Sana Family to ensure peace in the area.
Some of the inscriptions on the placards read: “No compensation, no work”, “Give us our right”, “Enough of Renaissance African Energy Company Limited divide and rule game”,among others.
However, attempts to get an official response from Renaissance African Energy Company Limited were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
