A coalition of Nzema civil society organisations and youth groups has publicly rejected a petition circulating over the stalled Petroleum Hub Project in Jomoro, clarifying that it does not reflect the views of affected communities.
In a communiqué dated January 12, 2026, the Coalition of Concerned Nzema People (CCNP) and its affiliated organisations stated that the petition, spearheaded by a group calling itself “The Concern Youth of Nzema” led by Kabutey Jonas, was neither authorised nor endorsed by them. The coalition emphasised that the petitioner is not an indigene of the affected communities and holds no recognised land rights, rendering any claims of representation invalid.
Restating respect for traditional authorities, the coalition highlighted that Nzema land ownership remains governed by family and clan systems under ancestral leadership. It welcomed the Presidential directive of July 31, 2025, urging the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation to implement measures including fair compensation, reduced land acquisition, local employment, and renegotiation with legitimate allodial landowners in line with customary law and Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC).
The coalition concluded by calling for unity, dialogue, and sustainable development, stressing that any project within Nzema must safeguard cultural heritage, environmental integrity, and local benefits. It reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the implementation of directives and collaborating with government, civil society, and international partners to protect the rights and future of the Nzema people.