Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt
There was pandemonium today at Onne, host to the Federal Ocean Terminal,FOT,as youths from Okrika and Ogu communities allegedly loyal to ex-militant leader, Ateke Tom, blocked the multi-billion dollars Federal Ocean Terminal, FOT,host to Oil and Gas Free Zone, in the suburb of Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
The youths were said to be protesting the non-patronage of their community by the companies operating in the FOT. They also accused the companies of not providing jobs.
A witness said there were sound of gunshots around the gate of the Terminal with the youths making bonfire, dancing and chanting war songs, and turning back workers from doing their businesses.
“This morning workers who prepared to resume for work were denied access to the FOT. They have no right to protest in Onne-Eleme soil.They said they wanted recognition by the management of FOT. What kind of recognition? Is it because they have people in power who protect them and they have arms which we don’t have?”, lamented a staff of the FOT.
Okrika-Ogu people since last year sacked Ekporo, which is an Eleme land and occupied the place.Part of Alesa-Eleme they have taken over because they have people in power and we don’t have. They should leave the Onne soil and the companies”
However, a combined team of security men from the Police and army was able to dislodge the protesters at about noon before the situation was brought under control. The area has been secured by soldiers.
Ateke Tom,however denied sponsoring the protesters. But he said he supported the reasons behind the protest.
” I am not aware of the protest.But if they are protesting legitimately for their rights, I don’t see anything wrong in that. Does it mean that any time protests are carried out by Okrika that means I am aware and I sponsored it or must know about them? It is a mere allegation,” he said.
Okrika is the traditional home of Mrs Patience Jonathan, the wife of President Jonathan, while Ogu’s community has Senator Thompson Sekibo,the Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence. The Senator has denied involvement in the crisis.
Last year,there was communal clash between Ogu and Ekporo that led to the sacking of Ekporo and the killing of Mr Nelson Igbuji, the Councillor representing Ekporo Ward Five,in Eleme Local Government council.
Federal Ocean Terminal, FOT is one of the deep sea terminals in Nigeria mainly for import and Export and cargo shipping.