The President General of respected Niger Delta socio-cultural group, the Orashi National Congress, ONC, Amb. Emeni Ibe, has called for calm and restraint as students of the Igbu-Orlukwor Student Community paid a consultation visit during the end-of-year celebrations of the Orashi National Congress held in Ogbele Community.
Speaking on behalf of the students, the Rt. Hon. Sampson Covenant Chimezu, commended the activities and interventions of the Orashi National Congress across the region. He however, expressed deep dissatisfaction over what he described as the continued neglect of the Igbu-Orlukwor student community by Aradel Holdings PLC, a company operating within the community.
According to him, the student body has written several letters to the company and formally proposed various student-centered activities and initiatives, all of which, he alleged, have not received any response or consideration.
“We are students and the future of the kingdom. As a multinational operating in our land, the company should pay attention to the needs and welfare of the student community,” he said.
The students further warned that if urgent steps are not taken to address their concerns, they may be compelled to mobilize sister student unions across Rivers State for a peaceful protest against the company.
In his response, Amb. Emeni Ibe appreciated the students for their maturity and sense of responsibility in seeking consultation before taking any action. He assured them that their grievances would be formally communicated to Aradel Holdings PLC, expressing confidence that the company, which he described as friendly and responsive, would listen and do the needful.
Amb. Ibe further appealed to the students to remain calm and law-abiding, urging them to suspend any plans of protest while engagements and dialogue with the company are pursued.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Orashi National Congress to peaceful advocacy, industrial harmony, and constructive engagement with corporate organizations operating within the Orashi region, stressing that dialogue remains the most effective tool for resolving disputes and advancing the collective interest of the people.