Palpable tension grips Agbodobiri Delta Coastal Community as Youths Vow to Halt South Forcados Swamp Gas Pipeline Project
By Ezekiel Kagbala
Palpable tension has gripped the Agbodobiri Delta coastal community as youths, led by prominent activist Comrade Marvelous Doboro, have vowed to halt the ongoing revamp of the South Forcados Swamp gas pipeline project.
Their grouse is the community's frustration over what they perceive as "neglect and exclusion from the benefits of the ongoing project".
The aggrieved Agbodobiri residents, a community which serves as the headquarters of the Ogbolubiri Mein Kingdom in the Burutu Local Government Area, are demanding that the project’s managing company should include Agbodobiri among the communities to benefit from the initiative.
The South Forcados Swamp Line revamp project, which aims to enhance gas transportation infrastructure in the region, has been met with mixed reactions.
While the project promises to boost economic activities and create jobs, many residents of Agbodobiri feel that their interests have been overlooked in the planning stages.
The community has a history of environmental concerns related to oil and gas operations, and residents are wary of potential negative impacts on their land and livelihoods.
Doboro, while addressing journalists at a press conference on behalf of Agbodobiri on Monday, stated that even though the community is not against the development project, the residents frustration lies in their perceived neglect and exclusion from the benefits of the project.
He said, "We are not against development, but we will not stand by and watch our community be sidelined while others reap the rewards of this project.
"The South Forcados Swamp Line runs through our land, and it is only fair that we are included in the discussions and benefits that come with it".
Doboro spoke further, "We are prepared to take action if our demands are not met, we will not allow this project to proceed without our community being recognized and compensated."
"The South Forcados Swamp Line project is a critical infrastructure initiative aimed at enhancing gas transportation in the region and about seven quarters of Agbodobiri land has been affected and as such, excluding Agbodobiri from the benefits of this project has left us to raise questions as to the criteria used for community inclusion.
"Agbodobiri, which serves as the seat of the Pere (King) of the Ogbolubiri Mein Kingdom, shares a contiguous landmass with neighboring communities such as Egodor, Bikorogha, Kiagbodo, Oviri-Olomu, and Aravwharien. These communities have been included in the project’s benefits, raising concerns about equity and fairness.
"Before voicing this disappointment, over the exclusion of Agbodobiri, a letter was written to them, and Blue Star did not respond, but they are working in our domain.
"Agbodobiri's exclusion undermines the community's historical role and regional contributions. "As the traditional headquarters, we have always played a pivotal role in championing peace in this area.
"It is disheartening to see our community sidelined in such a significant project that could bring economic benefits and development, and as such, the lack of consultation and engagement from Blue Star Nigeria Limited will not only affect potential economic opportunities but also disregard the community's rights and heritage.
"We urge the State governor, RT Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Chairman of Burutu local government area, Hon. Julius Takeme, and security agencies to prevail on Blue Star Nigeria Limited to address the concerns of the Agbodobiri Community".
Meanwhile, a civil society group, Organisation for Human and Peoples Rights Protection and Humanitarian (OHPRPH) has rallied behind Doboro's call as its members claim to be ready to join the planned protests and to raise awareness about the community's plight.
