Protesting Bayelsa women asked to vacate NAOC facility 

By Peters Monday, Abuja

The Bayelsa State Government has appealed to the women of Okoroma community in Nembe Local Government Area to vacate the Nigerian AGIP Oil Company (NAOC) Oil Flow Station, which they invaded in protest of the prolonged power outage in the community.

Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo made the appeal during a meeting with NAOC representatives and Okoroma community leaders, led by Chairman of the Okoroma Council of Chiefs, His Royal Highness Ebinimi Donka Solomon. Ewhrudjakpo assured the community that measures are being taken to address their concerns and urged the women to leave the facility as NAOC has begun repairs to restore power to the area.

Ewhrudjakpo also criticized oil companies for failing to fulfill promises to their host communities, emphasizing the importance of maintaining integrity. He stated, “The government is concerned about the power issue in Okoroma, which led to the shutdown of the NAOC oil flow station. We urge you to prevail on the women to leave the facility, as NAOC has started taking steps to resolve the issue.”

Community leaders explained that the women occupied the flow station due to the prolonged electricity problem and appreciated the government’s efforts to resolve the issue. They also requested the establishment of a functional hospital in the area.

NAOC’s Stakeholders and Community Development Manager, Mrs. Moji Olorode, assured that the company is working to restore power supply to Okoroma and thanked the state government for intervening in the matter. She also highlighted safety concerns at the occupied oil flow station that need to be addressed to prevent loss of lives and property.