Francis Dufugha
…..Stakeholders defend Braboke’s leadership, allege monopoly of community contracts and employment opportunities
Traditional rulers, chiefs, Community Development Committee (CDC) chairmen, women and youth leaders, and other critical stakeholders from the four kingdoms hosting the EA Field in Ekeremor and Southern Ijaw Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State have rejected allegations challenging the legitimacy of the Community Content Plan Management Committee (CCPMC).
The stakeholders, representing the Kou, Iduwini, Mein and Basan West kingdoms, also reaffirmed their confidence in the committee’s chairman, High Chief Hon. Stanley Enaibagha Braboke, describing the CCPMC as a legitimate platform established to protect the interests of host communities in the distribution of contracts, employment and other benefits accruing from Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited.
In a significant development, prominent Niger Delta leader and former militant commander, Gen. Victor Ben, popularly known as Boyloaf, has thrown his weight behind the position of the host communities, expressing support for their stance on the controversy surrounding the CCPMC.
Boyloaf’s intervention is considered significant given his influence and longstanding involvement in Niger Delta affairs, particularly issues concerning community interests, resource control and the relationship between oil companies and host communities.
His support also reinforces the position of stakeholders who insist that the CCPMC was established through consultations and agreements involving relevant representatives of the four kingdoms and should not be dismissed as an illegitimate or self-appointed body.
Four Kingdoms Reject Allegations
In a counter-resolution dated November 3, 2026, the stakeholders condemned a press briefing allegedly led by HRH Decca Keredei, Amananawei of Amatu-1 Community, describing it as misleading and an attempt to undermine the committee and create division among the host communities.
They dismissed claims that the CCPMC was illegally constituted, that its chairman lacked the authority to occupy the position, or that the committee was merely a pressure group.
According to the stakeholders, the committee emerged from extensive consultations and agreements reached among relevant community representatives since 2025.
They explained that traditional rulers, CDCs, women, youths, opinion leaders and other critical stakeholders were consulted, while nominations were made on a clan basis to ensure representation across the four kingdoms.
The stakeholders further disclosed that traditional rulers were consulted and gave their approval before the committee’s inauguration.
They identified Boyloaf as one of the prominent personalities consulted during the process, alongside traditional rulers and other influential stakeholders, adding that his support for the communities’ position further demonstrates the importance of broad-based consultation in resolving the disagreement.
The stakeholders also claimed that HRH Decca Keredei was nominated to represent traditional rulers on the committee and was informed of the inauguration but could not attend. They said a representative from Amatu-1 attended on his behalf.
Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, the Department of State Services, the police, the Bayelsa State Government and traditional rulers were also said to have been invited to the inauguration.
Boyloaf’s Support Strengthens Communities’ Position
Boyloaf’s position has added another significant dimension to the controversy, as stakeholders continue to insist that the management of opportunities arising from the EA Field must reflect the collective interests of the four host kingdoms.
His support for the communities comes amid growing disagreements over representation, the management of the Community Content Plan and access to contracts and employment opportunities.
The communities maintain that the CCPMC is intended to provide a coordinated platform through which eligible indigenous contractors, business owners and qualified youths can access opportunities associated with oil operations in the area.
They have also emphasised the need for unity among the four kingdoms, arguing that disagreements should not be allowed to undermine their collective interests.
Allege Monopoly of Contracts, Employment Opportunities
The stakeholders identified the distribution of community contracts and employment opportunities as the underlying issue behind the disagreement.
They alleged that since the signing of the Community Content Plan more than four years ago, a privileged group had monopolised opportunities intended for indigenous businesses and qualified youths in the EA Field host communities.
They claimed that local entrepreneurs had been sidelined while employable youths were denied opportunities to benefit from the activities of the multinational oil company.
The stakeholders maintained that the CCPMC was established to address the alleged imbalance and ensure that community benefits were distributed transparently and equitably.
They accused those opposing the committee of resisting efforts to change what they described as an existing arrangement that favoured a few individuals.
However, the allegations against the opposing group have not been independently established.
Stakeholders Defend Braboke
The traditional rulers and critical stakeholders also defended Braboke, describing him as a respected community leader, businessman and politician with a record of service and commitment to the development of the host communities.
They maintained that he did not impose himself on the committee but was nominated and adopted by traditional rulers and critical stakeholders because of his perceived integrity, transparency and accountability.
The stakeholders consequently rejected the allegations and derogatory remarks reportedly directed at him, describing them as malicious attempts to damage his reputation.
They reaffirmed their confidence in his leadership and called on HRH Decca Keredei and his supporters to withdraw the alleged defamatory statements and tender an unconditional public apology.
CDC Chairmen Forum Dissolved
In another significant development, the stakeholders announced the dissolution of the CDC Chairmen Forum, alleging that it had ceased to represent the collective interests of the EA Field host communities.
They accused some members of the forum of using it to influence recommendations for contracts and employment opportunities in favour of foreign contractors and other interests.
The stakeholders insisted that the forum no longer enjoyed their confidence and should not be recognised as speaking for the entire host communities.
Eleven-Point Resolution Adopted
At the end of their meeting, the stakeholders adopted an 11-point resolution declaring the CCPMC legal, legitimate and duly constituted.
They rejected the opposing press briefing, reaffirmed their confidence in Braboke and the committee members, demanded a public apology from HRH Decca Keredei and his supporters, and declared the CDC Chairmen Forum dissolved.
They also urged Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, its partners, government authorities and security agencies to recognise the CCPMC as the legitimate body mandated to coordinate the interests and benefits of the EA Field host communities.
The stakeholders further warned against actions capable of causing conflict among the four kingdoms and called on youths to remain peaceful and law-abiding.
They stressed that the committee would continue its activities without intimidation or distraction, insisting that every eligible host-community business owner and employable youth deserved a fair opportunity to benefit from the operations of the oil field.
The resolution was signed on behalf of the traditional rulers and critical stakeholders by Chief Raphael Lamaletei, Palace Permanent Secretary, representing HRH Roman Dereabebe, Paramount Ruler of Letugbene Federated Community, who spoke on behalf of the communities.
The controversy has brought renewed attention to the management of community benefits, representation and the distribution of opportunities under the Community Content Plan in the EA Field host communities, with Boyloaf’s support adding weight to the communities’ demand for what they describe as fairness, transparency and equitable participation.
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