Court restrains Idorama, subsidiaries from operating in Eleme for pollution

A Federal High Court holden in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has restrained Indorama Eleme Petrochemical Limited and its affiliates from operating in Eleme communities over issues of pollution until the suit before it is determined. Mr. Kingsley Mba-Ngei and 69 other youths of Eleme had dragged the Indorama Petrochemical and its subsidiaries to court over alleged pollution of their environment by the firm. The case in suit no: FHC/PH/CS/23/2024 is between Mr. Kingsley Mba-Ngei and 69 others and Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Limited (IEPCLE) Indorama Eleme Fertilizer and Chemicals Limited (IEFCL) Indorama Indorama Fertilizers B.V., the Netherlands (IFBV) and The Attorney-General of the Federation.

 The youths had prayed the court to make order stopping the defendants from carrying out or indulging in any production or manufacturing of any products as the process is casing pollution of and contamination of their environment, waters and farms. However, the presiding Judge, Justice Stephen Dalyop-Pam, made the order thus: “An order of Interim Order is hereby made retraining the 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd Defendants in this suit Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Limited (IEPCLE) Indorama Eleme Fertilizer and Chemicals Limited (IEFCL) Indorama Indorama Fertilizers B.V., The Netherlands (IFBV) whether acting by themselves or through their agents, officers, employees, servants, subsidiaries, otherwise howsoever called or described from carrying out, undertake, executing or indulging in any production of manufacturing of any products, the process of which leads to the pollution of  and (or) contamination of the plaintiffs’ environment, waters and farms of further acts of pollution or acts that seek or are likely to pollute (either by dumping or emission of hazardous substances on) the plaintiffs’ environment, land, waters and airspace pending the hearing and determination of the motion on Notice filled in this suit.”

 However, the court after entering the order on the 16^th of February, adjourned till 18^th of march for mention. Meanwhile, the Leader of the youths in the area, Comrade Johnson Emere Mba-Ngei, noted that the move was to save Eleme people from chemical pollution, adding that the people have lived in polluted environment for too long. He said “Eleme has long been a victim of environmental pollution, with various industries contributing to the Degradation of our ecosystem. The consequences are dire, with the rate of cancer and other health issues skyrocketing day by day and our once-thriving ecosystem on the brink of Collapse. The resolve of the 70 plaintiffs in their pursuit of justice serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit Of Eleme people. They stand as beacon of hope in our fight against environmental abuse and corporate greed. Their courage inspires us to demand accountability, transparency, and justice for all. We cannot allow our community to become a sacrificial zone for profit-driven interests. We must hold Corporations accountable for their actions and demand strict adherence to environmental regulations and standards.”