From Rhoda Godwin, Yenagoa
Traditional rulers, chiefs, women, youths and other stakeholders from four kingdoms hosting the EA Field in Bayelsa State have reaffirmed their support for the Community Content Plan Management Committee (CCPMC), declaring it the legitimate body responsible for coordinating benefits accruing to host communities from the operations of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited.
The stakeholders, representing the Kou, Iduwini, Mein and Basan West kingdoms in Ekeremor and Southern Ijaw Local Government Areas, also passed a vote of confidence in the committee’s Chairman, High Chief Stanley Enaibagha Braboke, while rejecting allegations reportedly levelled against him by the Amananawei of Amatu-1 Community, HRH Decca Keredei, and his supporters.
Addressing journalists at the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Yenagoa, on November 10, 2026, the stakeholders, through their representative, Chief Raphael S. Lameleti, Permanent Secretary of the Palace of HRH Romen K. Dereatebe, Paramount Ruler of Letugbene Federated Community, described the allegations as misleading and capable of creating divisions among the host communities.
They maintained that the CCPMC was not imposed on the communities but emerged through consultations involving traditional rulers, Community Development Committee (CDC) representatives, women, youths, opinion leaders and other critical stakeholders.
According to Lameleti, the process began in 2025, with consultations across the four kingdoms, followed by clan-by-clan nominations to ensure broad-based representation.
He explained that Keredei was nominated to represent traditional rulers on the committee and was informed about its inauguration but could not attend, with his deputy highness reportedly representing him.
The stakeholders further disclosed that Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police, the Bayelsa State Government and traditional rulers were invited to the inauguration.
Beyond the leadership disagreement, the stakeholders alleged that the crisis was rooted in concerns over access to contracts, employment and other economic opportunities under the Community Content Plan.
They claimed that a few individuals had exercised considerable influence over opportunities meant for the wider host communities, leaving indigenous entrepreneurs and qualified youths struggling to benefit from the company’s operations.
They said the CCPMC was established to address the situation through a more transparent and equitable system of distributing community benefits.
Defending Braboke’s emergence, the stakeholders described him as a respected community leader whose experience, integrity and commitment to development informed his selection.
They insisted that he neither imposed himself nor lobbied for the position, adding that his emergence followed consultations and adoption by traditional rulers and community representatives.
The stakeholders consequently demanded an unconditional public apology from Keredei and his associates over statements allegedly questioning the committee’s legitimacy and attacking the chairman’s integrity. They also threatened legal action against further defamatory publications.
In another major decision, the stakeholders announced the dissolution of the CDC Chairmen Forum, accusing some members of allegedly using the platform to influence contract and employment recommendations in favour of foreign contractors.
They called on Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, government authorities and security agencies to recognise the CCPMC, while urging youths across the four kingdoms to remain peaceful and law-abiding.
Reaffirming their commitment to the committee, they said their ultimate objective was to ensure that indigenous businesses, qualified youths and other legitimate beneficiaries receive fair access to opportunities generated by EA Field operations.
The allegations against Keredei and his associates have not been independently verified, and their response was not included in the stakeholders’ briefing.