From Amgbare Prince, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State Government has intervened in the shutdown of Sterling Exploration Ltd (SEL) operations by Ijaw youths in Onuebum community, Ogbia Local Government Area, over alleged Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) violations.
The protest, tagged”Operation Stop Work,” began at 5:30 a.m. and involved the National Leadership of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, led by Comrade Ari Fekorigha.
The Protesters accused SEL of operating without conducting an EIA, violating environmental and petroleum laws, and failing to honor a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the host community.
The protesters, led by Comrade John Bailiff Egapekpar, Chairman of the Onuebum Oil & Gas Committee, and youth leader Engr. Odumomusi Obaguo, carried placards with various inscriptions such as “SEL, effect Section 326 of the PIA,” “SEL, stop violating the EIA and PIA,” and “SEL, implement Section 235 of the PIA.”
The Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, CP Francis Idu, the Office of the State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, intervened, leading to a temporary suspension of the protest.
Representing the Commissioner of Police at the protest site, Mrs. Stella Izevbigie, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Otuopkoti Police Division, informed the protesters that the Deputy Governor had scheduled a high-level negotiation meeting for November 26, 2025, at the Government House, Yenagoa.
The meeting is expected to bring together SEL management, IYC leadership, and representatives of the Onuebum community. Comrade Ari Fekorigha announced that the “stop-work” action would be temporarily suspended to allow room for negotiations.
The Chairman of the Onuebum Oil & Gas Committee, Comrade John Bailiff Egapekpar, reiterated that SEL had allegedly failed to conduct an EIA as mandated by law, comply with the PIA and related regulations, follow due process in its operational site acquisition, and accord formal visitation and recognition to its host community.
The protesters have warned that the “stop-work” action will resume if SEL fails to meet their demands, emphasizing their commitment to dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the long-standing disagreements.
Adieu Dan Agbese, By Dan Manjang
The IYC Director of Mobilization, Comrade Ari Fekorigha, expressed disappointment over SEL’s alleged refusal to implement the agreement reached with Onuebum community, stating that the issue has been lingering for over four years.
The community is seeking compliance with environmental and petroleum laws, formal recognition, and implementation of the MOU. The protesters are determined to ensure that SEL respects the rights of the host community and operates in accordance with the laws of the land.
The Bayelsa State Government has assured the community of its commitment to facilitating a peaceful resolution to the issue.
The government has urged all parties to remain calm and engage in constructive dialogue to resolve the outstanding issues.
The negotiation meeting scheduled for November 26, 2025, is expected to provide a platform for all stakeholders to discuss the issues and work towards a mutually beneficial solution.
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