Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The total shutdown of Bonny Island, which began early Monday morning in protest over unmet corporate social responsibility, CSR, demands, has been temporarily suspended following planned negotiations.
The demonstration, led by all the 35 Chieftaincy Houses in Bonny Kingdom, saw roads barricaded and access to major international oil companies, IOCs such as NLNG, SPDC, Mobil, TotalEnergies, and others completely blocked as early as 5:00am on Monday.
The protesters using the hashtag #LibertyforBonnyKingdom are demanding legacy infrastructural projects, including road expansions, a mini-stadium and sports academy, waste-to-wealth facilities, foreign scholarships, contracts, and job opportunities.
Tensions heightened Sunday night as Bonny youths intensified mobilization efforts, however, discussions involving the Nigerian Police Force, the Amanayabo of Bonny, and IOC representatives led to a temporary truce.
Protest leaders agreed to suspend the demonstration after reaching an agreement to hold a meeting with IOC executives in two days’ time, precisely on Wednesday 15th January 2024.
Normalcy and activities in Bonny resumed by 9:00 a.m., with the protesters redirecting their energies to a peaceful gathering at Government Secondary School, Bonny.
The Bonny Kingdom Development Committee Chairman, Amaopusenibo Amairigha Edward Hart, is expected to address the press and outline the next steps.
More details later…
