The Banigo Chieftaincy House of Bonny Kingdom has reacted to reports in the Media that its youths shut down the offices of Gulf Agency Company (GAC) Shipping in Bonny, Rivers State and demanded N5 million before the facility will be reopened.
In response to Kristina Reports enquiries, Chief and Head of the Banigo House, Se-Alabo Sotonye Banigo asserted that the GAC Shipping office is situated on land belonging to Banigo House and not Jumbo Akatikpo Park Community as earlier reported.
He stated that GAC Shipping is situated within the premises of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), which is a tenant to the Banigo House, stressing that “we have a C of O on that land which has not been challenged by anyone over the years”.
He also stated that though the issue with GAC Shipping has been resolved as its offices have been reopened and its vehicles released, the leadership of the House is currently reviewing the circumstances around the incident with a view to ensure that the right approaches were adhered to by the youths.
Also speaking in an interview with Kristina Reports, Chancellor of Banigo Youth Movement, Victor Banigo debunked allegations of extortion against him, saying the said money being referred to was an offer by the company as part of its efforts to appease the youths over its failure to employ some of them as agreed.
“We agreed with the company during a meeting with their manager that they will employ some of our youths. After over a year, they refused to fulfil their side of the bargain, that is why we traditionally blocked their entrance.”
“For over 20 years the company has been there they have not done any CSR projects or empowered our youths in any way. All our efforts to get them to talk with us have failed.”
“We have already resolved the issue, released their vehicles and reopened their office”, he stated, urging the company to be a responsible corporate citizen and relate better with its host community.
Reacting, Community Relations Officer of GAC Shipping, Lionel Pepple dismissed the claims by the Banigo Youth Movement Chancellor, saying that GAC is a tenant to NPA but has made concessions by supporting the youths.
“GAC leased a small portion of land measuring approximately 20 by 30 meters from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). We have occupied this land for over two decades and have consistently paid land rent to the NPA throughout this period.”
“Over the years, we have provided employment to more than ten individuals from Banigo House. Currently, out of 7 workers in Bonny, 2 are members of the Banigo family.”
“Although we are presently in the Court of Appeal regarding the land matter, we have continued to support the Banigo community. Notably, we sponsored the 2025 Banigo Youth Programme with the sum of ₦150,000.”