The people of Die-Ama Community in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have given both the federal and state governments a one-month ultimatum to include them in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the ongoing Nembe/Brass road project.
Speaking to newsmen in Yenagoa, the Amanayanabo of Die-Ama, His Royal Highness Baratuaipre Eketei Amaene Ikaba XI, said they are the most affected by the construction activities and deserve recognition, compensation, and inclusion in all agreements concerning the project.
He noted that the project had disrupted their waterways and mangrove areas without any form of consultation or benefit.
He urged the federal and state governments to intervene immediately to avoid tension in the area, warning that the community may be forced to halt work on the project if the government failed to address their concerns.
“From the western side of Saint Nicholas River to the other side of the bush, we are the most impacted. The whole mangrove area falls within our side.
“Now a road construction is being undertaken by the state and federal government from Nembe to Brass. We are not consulted, and dredging is going on in our creeks and rivers.
“We are appealing to the government to tell the construction company to take us along so that we can also enjoy the privileges other communities are enjoying.
“We are also writing to the State House of Assembly and copying the office of the Deputy Governor so they are aware of our plight,” he added.
The monarch further accused some individuals from the Okpoama community of intimidating Die-Ama residents and using cult groups to harass them around the construction site.
He said Die-Ama had long suffered from territorial disputes with neighbouring Okpoama, despite a series of court rulings in their favour dating back to 1986.
“Despite the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Enugu, they are still invading us and making false claims. We have reported the matter to the Deputy Governor, but no action has been taken. We want peace, and we want the federal and state governments to intervene,” HRH Amaene said.
