Rivers Assembly Summons Heirs Energies Over Host Community Petition

The Rivers State House of Assembly has issued a final summons to the management of Heirs Energies Limited, directing the company to appear before lawmakers on Monday, July 20, 2026, over an unresolved petition filed by one of its host communities.

The directive followed the adoption of a report by the House Committee on Public Complaints and Petitions during plenary, presided over by Speaker Martin Chike Amaewhule.

Lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction with what they described as the company’s repeated failure to honour previous invitations by the committee investigating allegations brought forward by the Omuohia Community in Igwuruta Town, Ikwerre Local Government Area.

A letter signed by the Clerk of the House, Dr Emeka Amadi, instructed the company’s Chief Executive Officer and management team to appear before the Assembly Quarters by 10:00 a.m. to respond to the petition.

The Assembly warned that failure to comply could trigger constitutional measures compelling the company’s appearance.

Speaker Amaewhule stated that under Section 129 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Rivers State House of Assembly has the authority to summon witnesses, demand evidence, and issue warrants where necessary to carry out its oversight responsibilities.

The lawmakers maintained that ignoring legislative invitations undermines the Assembly’s constitutional duty to protect the interests of host communities and ensure accountability in the oil and gas sector.

The House directed Heirs Energies to present both oral and documentary evidence addressing the grievances raised by the Omuohia Community.

During the same plenary, the Assembly also adopted recommendations directing Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited to pay ₦205,813,285.65 as compensation to residents of the Barayonwan Dere Community.

The compensation follows investigations into an oil spill on the 24-inch Ogale–Bonny Pipeline, which lawmakers said was caused by equipment failure.

In addition to the financial compensation, the Assembly ordered the company to undertake a comprehensive environmental cleanup and remediation of the affected area to restore livelihoods and reduce public health risks.

The resolutions underscore the Assembly’s renewed focus on environmental accountability, corporate responsibility, and protecting the rights of host communities across Rivers State.