South South Zonal Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a legal practitioner, Blessing Agbomhere, has vowed to pursue justice and equity in the divestment of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited’s assets.
He expressed deep concern over the recent transfer of the said assets to Renaissance Group, which he lacks representation from the Niger Delta in its board.
Agbomhere emphasised the importance of upholding Nigerian laws governing the oil and gas sector, stating, “The decision to award Shell’s assets to Renaissance group disregards crucial provisions of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act and the Constitution of Nigeria.”
In a press interview in Abuja on Friday, Agbomhere underscored the implications of this divestment, particularly for the Niger Delta region. “Allowing the divestment to Renaissance group jeopardizes peace in the Niger Delta and perpetuates environmental degradation.
“It is imperative that any future divestment respects the involvement of Niger Delta natives or companies primarily owned by them, ensuring prioritization of environmental rehabilitation,” he asserted.
He further elaborated on the broader impact, drawing parallels to global resource management challenges. “Mismanagement of non-renewable resources can lead to economic instability, social conflict, and environmental devastation,” Agbomhere warned. “We cannot afford to ignore these risks in Nigeria.”
Also, Agbomhere called upon key stakeholders, including the Attorney General of the Federation, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, the Minister of Petroleum, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to reconsider the divestment decision. “Reversing the flawed divestment process aligns with the APC’s Renewed Hope Agenda, demonstrating commitment to the welfare of Nigerians and particularly the Niger Delta community,” he emphasized.
He concluded with a straightforward request: “We urge the authorities to annul the current divestment to Renaissance Group and initiate a transparent process that involves Niger Delta stakeholders and compliant companies, as outlined in the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act.”
“There is no guarantee of peace in the Niger Delta if the divestment to Renaissance group is allowed to stand. If there must be divestment of these assets, it must be to the people of Niger Delta or companies substantially owned by Niger Deltans.
“When these resources are put in the hands of reasonable people, they can create greater prosperity. When poorly managed, they cause economic instability, social conflict, and lasting environmental damage. The decision to hand Shell’s assets to Renaissance group is injustice and would not stand.”
“A new process that will involve the people of Niger Delta and companies owned by them must be considered for the divestment of these assets.” He added.
