Bonny Kingdom Ogbobiri Asawo Condemns Protests at NLNG Train 7 Site, Urges Community Unity

The Bonny Kingdom Ogbobiri Asawo has expressed deep concern over recent incessant protests being staged by Finima Community at the Nigeria LNG Train 7 project site in Bonny, Rivers State.

In a statement issued today and signed by its Chairman, Eugene Jumbo, Bonny Kingdom Ogbobiri Asawo said it was worrisome that the persistent protests have the potential of “attracting negative attention to Bonny Kingdom, which is respected for her civility and peaceful disposition”.

Youths from Finima Community defied Tuesday morning’s heavy downpour in Bonny Island to shut down the H Block entrance to the Train 7 site thus preventing workers of the various companies on the project from accessing their worksites.

The protests continued on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 resulting in the complete halt of activities at the Train 7 project site managed by Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited, Daewoo Engineering and Construction Nigeria Limited, and Cico Construction and Leasing Company.

The three construction firms are contractors to SCD JV (Saipem, Chiyoda and Daewoo Joint Venture), which is the Engineering, Procurement and Construction contractor to NLNG for the Train 7 project.

As a key administrative figure within Bonny Kingdom, Jumbo emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to civility and peaceful coexistence.

He urged residents of Finima to refrain from actions that could tarnish the Kingdom’s reputation, noting that any protest should first seek the consent and permission of His Majesty, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, the Natural Ruler and Amanyanabo of Bonny Kingdom.

Jumbo recalled a previous protest on June 10, 2021, which similarly disrupted operations at Nigeria LNG Limited and subsequently sought intervention from federal authorities.

He underscored that such actions could be viewed as economic sabotage against a federal government establishment.

Highlighting the unity within Bonny Kingdom, Jumbo clarified that while Finima is an integral community within the Kingdom, its grievances concerning company operations should be directed solely to His Majesty the King.

 He stressed that undermining the King’s authority to serve parochial interests is unacceptable and detrimental to the Kingdom’s harmony.

He appealed for community solidarity and adherence to traditional leadership, expressing hope that future grievances would be resolved through appropriate channels without disrupting vital economic activities.