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Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, yesterday averted a major crisis between the host communities of Imiringi, Elebele, Otuasega and Oruma of Kolo Creek Community and the Anglo-Dutch oil giant, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).
The governor had stopped the order for the arrest of youths, women and elders of the communities who were protesting over some issues they have with the oil giant.
The action of the governor, though ascribed to the need to maintain a peaceful environment ahead of the arrival of some expatriates handling the installation of the state owned gas turbine, led to the release from detention some members of the aggrieved host communities arrested by the Police.
The communities had on two occasions marched on the Kolo Creek gas manifold and shut down the facilities in the wake of protests and threat following the alleged disrespect of the Oil giant in not implementing the global memoradum of mnderstanding (GMoU) it signed with the communities.
Sources told Leadership yesterday that Sylva was not happy with the development in the oil rich enclave which is host to the Shell Kolo Creek Logistics Base and the state Independent Power Plant, the Imiringi Gas Turbine
According to the source, the governor has called for a meeting with the chiefs of the aggrieved communities as he would not want the matter to linger on.
The meeting was scheduled for Monday but it was gathered that it was postponed to Wednesday over late communication with the Elders and Chiefs and the unplanned trip of the Governor outside the state.
For the meeting, each of the protesting communities is to present four representatives alongside their chiefs where they are expected to table their demands before the governor.
Also expected at the enlarged meeting is the Managing Director of Shell scheduled to resolve the lingering crisis.
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