A visit to Rumuekpe Community in Emohua local Government area, Rivers State has indeed Shown that there are still people living like the days of stone age despite the presence of multi national oil companies in the Clan.
In an interview with residents of the community, they recounted how the Government of Rivers State have abandoned them.
Speaking with Mr. Humble Chizi Nwoje, a graduate of Sociology Said,
On Oil Discovery and Activities:
Rumuekpe clan in Emuoha Local Government Area of Rivers State is said to be the second place oil was discovered in Nigeria by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) after Oloibiri in 1956 and began full activities in the Community in 1963 with four production locations.
Villages that made up Rumuekpe:
Rumuekpe community is been made of 8 villages Namely;
- Ekwutche.
- Imogu.
- Ovelle Nvakohia.
- Omegwa.
- Ovelle Oduoha.
- Mgbuodo.
- Mgbuhie.
- Omoviri.
“The inhabitants are poor and their community is highly undeveloped as An estimated 95 percent of the rural population depends solely on farming and fishing for their livelihoods.
“Amaechi who was the Former Governor of Rivers State during the Crisis rocking the community refused stepping in despite every attempt to draw his attention for assistance until it degenerated into full blown community war leaving every Building destroyed, people killed but instead said “none of his project will get to the community till he leaves office”
“As at today, Rumuekpe remains the only community in Rivers State without Telecommunication Network Signal, Pipe Born water, Electricity, Access Road, Health Center, and School Structure despite the emergence of Governor E.N Wike in 2015 who was supported by the Sons and daughters of the community with believe that the Messiah who will help us has come.
“Few months to the End of tenure of Wike’s Administration, none of those things denied us was giving a consideration.
Rumuekpe, a community in the local government is devastated by massive pollution and degradation.
According to inhabitants of the area, the community has been unable to access good water for drinking and other domestic use. Mrs Charity Aso, a member of the community told Area Talk Report of the frustration members of the community faced in accessing clean water.
The people of Rumuekpe community have consistently sought government’s intervention and support with no success.
They claim that the government have abandoned Them despite been a host Community to the Multi National Oil companies. They therefore appeal to the government to live up to its responsibility and save the people of Rumuekpe.
