Bille Gas Seepage: ‘No Cleanup, No Vote’, CSOs Declare, Demand Urgent FG Action

A coalition of Civil Society Organisations has declared a “No Clean-Up, No Vote” campaign, demanding urgent Federal Government intervention over the persistent gas seepage threatening lives and livelihoods in Bille Kingdom, Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Under the aegis of the People’s Assembly and Bille Working Group, the coalition made the demand while presenting a position paper titled “Justice for Bille: A Call for National Emergency That Cannot Wait,” at the Social Action office in Port Harcourt.

The groups called for Bille to be declared a national environmental, safety and public health emergency, as the death toll associated with the gas seepage reportedly stands at eleven since the incident began in February 2026.

Speaking at the event, the representatives highlighted the devastating effects of the gas eruption on human lives, the environment, public health and livelihoods.

Among those who spoke were Dr. Emem Okon, Executive Director of Kebetkache Women Development Centre; Kentebe Ebiaridor, Programme Manager, Environmental Rights Action and Coordinator of Oilwatch International; Dr. Prince Ekpere, Programme Manager, Social Action; and Dr. Bieye Briggs, Executive Director of the Community Environmental Protection and Health Foundation.

They explained that the continuous gas eruption had made everyday activities increasingly dangerous for residents, particularly cooking, as gas escaping from the ground and water sources had triggered fires and explosions.

They recounted an explosion linked to cooking in the community, illustrating the dangers residents face even within their homes. They also highlighted the loss of lives and property, as well as the destruction of residents’ sources of livelihood.

The coalition stressed the need for urgent government intervention to prevent further casualties and provide lasting relief to affected residents.

They insisted that residents have no reason to support political candidates unwilling to demonstrate a genuine commitment to resolving the crisis.

The coalition said the campaign, which is being extended across the Niger Delta, is aimed at demanding environmental justice and accountability from political leaders.

Among its demands are the immediate relocation of residents to safer environments, provision of clean drinking water and healthcare, emergency funding for relevant regulatory agencies, identification and stoppage of the gas source, publication of environmental test results and compensation for affected families.

The group also called for the establishment of a Presidential Task Force to coordinate efforts towards resolving the crisis and ensuring that oil and gas operators are held accountable.

They expressed hope that President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Rivers State would provide an opportunity to draw national attention to the plight of Bille residents and secure action on their demands.

The coalition maintained that its support for political parties and candidates would depend on their willingness to present clear, realistic and time-bound plans for environmental clean-up and restoration across the Niger Delta.

It insisted that the people of the region would no longer accept political promises without concrete action, declaring that where there is no clean-up, there will be no vote.