The Chief and Head of Dan-Jumbo House and Supervising Chief of Jumbo House, Se-Alabo Rev’d Clinton Dan-Jumbo, has denounced the seizure of operational vehicles belonging to companies working within the Bonny Oil and Gas Terminal, declaring that such actions were not authorised by the leadership of Jumbo House and must stop immediately.
Dan-Jumbo, in a statement issued through the Secretary of the Dan-Jumbo War Canoe House, Wari-Opusenibo Tamuno Dan-Jumbo, directed that all vehicles seized under the guise of acting for Jumbo House be released, warning that disruptions capable of undermining lawful business operations would not be tolerated.
The Chief’s position comes amid concerns over activities allegedly carried out by some individuals claiming to be acting on behalf of Jumbo House, with the statement making clear that the House leadership does not sanction such measures.
While condemning the disruption of company operations, however, Dan-Jumbo acknowledged the grievances reportedly driving the frustrations of members of the House, particularly youths who he said were concerned about their limited access to economic opportunities within the Bonny Terminal.
The Chief listed unemployment, inadequate scholarship opportunities, limited skills acquisition programmes and restricted access to contracts and other economic opportunities among the longstanding concerns of Jumbo House indigenes.
The situation presents a striking irony, the statement suggested: Jumbo House is regarded as one of the host and landlord communities of the Bonny Terminal, yet its leadership says qualified members of the House continue to struggle for access to opportunities generated by economic activities taking place on their ancestral territory.
Rather than resorting to actions that could disrupt companies operating in the terminal, Dan-Jumbo said he had commenced engagements with relevant stakeholders to address what he described as perceived marginalisation and victimisation of members of Jumbo House.
The Chief said he understood and shared the concerns of the people, but maintained that grievances must be pursued through lawful and constructive engagement rather than through actions capable of disrupting legitimate business operations or damaging the reputation of the House.
His intervention therefore draws a distinction between the legitimacy of the grievances being raised by members of Jumbo House and the methods allegedly being employed by some individuals to press those demands.
According to the statement, the leadership’s objective is to secure lasting solutions to the inequalities being complained about, particularly in employment, training, scholarships, contracts and other areas of economic participation.
Dan-Jumbo expressed confidence that the ongoing discussions with relevant stakeholders would yield meaningful progress and ensure that the concerns of Jumbo House received the attention they deserved.
He also reiterated his commitment to ensuring that Jumbo House is duly represented through the installation of a substantive Chief, recalling the promise he made to the Burukiri women on the day of his installation as Warialabo.
The Chief consequently appealed to members of Jumbo House, particularly the youths, to remain peaceful, law-abiding and patient as efforts continue to resolve the issues.
He reaffirmed his commitment to unity, justice, peace and progress within Jumbo House and the wider Bonny Kingdom, while urging members not to take actions that could undermine the very economic activities from which they are demanding greater inclusion.
