For a peaceful environment that will guarantee uninterrupted oil
production in the country, Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has
urged oil companies to be fair and just in their dealings with host
communities.
The governor made the call in Asaba on Tuesday at a stakeholders
meeting to resolve a petition to the Delta State government by Olomoro
community, in Isoko South Local Government Area of the State over oil
prospecting issues.
The community which is one of the host communities to OML 30 had
petitioned the state government over non consideration of indigenes in award of
contracts; non renewal of Freedom To Operate (FTO) by contracting firms,
employment of indigenes and delay in payment of General Memorandum of
Understanding (GMoU) funds by Heritage Energy, operators of the marginal field.
Governor Okowa represented by the State Commissioner for Oil and
Gas, Prince Emman Amgbaduba in an intervention meeting with stakeholders
ordered Heritage Energy to renew the FTO within 72 hours and ensure adequate
funding of the GMoU on or before 1st of December, 2019 and consideration of
indigenes when there is vacancy.
The Governor however warned communities against blocking of
roads, unnecessary protests without first writing to the State Government
through the Ministry of Oil and Gas.
"Let me first commend Olomoro community for seeking justice
through due process. It is important for oil companies to ensure that they are
fair and just in their dealings with host communities to ensure a peaceful
environment for oil production.
"As a government we are irrevocably committed to ensuring a
better deal for our host communities and as such we encourage oil companies to
do everything humanly possible to make peace with their host communities.
"As a prelude to resolving this dispute, i urge Heritage
Energy to ensure a renewal of the FTO within 72 hours of this meeting and also
to ensure adequate funding provisions for the operationalisation of the GMoU
with the host communities.
"To also foster better relations with the community,
Heritage Energy should ensure they consider qualified indigenes of host
communities int their recruitment process and contract awards in the spirit of
the Local Content Act.," he added
Head Community Relations and Security of Heritage Energy
Operational Services Limited, Sylvester Okoh pledged the company's commitment
to comply with government directives to resolve all FTOs and implementation of
the GMoU with the community, assuring that equity and fairness will be applied
in their dealings with their host communities.
President General of Olomoro Community, Pastor Blessing Agboro
thanked the State Government for the intervention assuring that the community
will continue to follow the path of the law in their agitations for a better
deal from the company.
The meeting was attended by management of Heritage Energy, the
Commander, 222 Battalion, Nigeria Army, Maj. Ogidan, community leaders, among
others.
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