Host communities issue quit notice to NECONDE on OML 42

By Egufe Yafugborhi & Akpokona Omafuaire

WARRI—Crisis is brewing in Warri South West Local Government Area, Delta State,  as OML 42 Host Communities Forum in the council, yesterday,  gave a 21-day ultimatum to  NECONDE Energy Limited, to sort the lingering issues raised by host communities or quit the area.

The host communities also called on the Federal Government to revoke the mining lease licence granted NECONDE, for failing to implement the Local Content Act.

The host communities gave the order during a briefing and protest at Ekpan.

Mr Mulade Sheriff, Chairman, Kokodiagbene who spoke on behalf of the host communities leaders, said that the quit notice and revocation call was timely to avoid imminent crisis.

According to Mulade , “We wish to call on the Federal Government to revoked the mining lease of NECONDE in OML 42 operations in Gbaramatu Kingdom over failure to honour agreed terms.

“Since the recommencement of oil exploration activities in OML 42 in 2012, no single community re-entry project has been executed in the host communities.

“More disheartening and provocative is the blatant refusal of the GMD of NECONDE Energy Limited to honour his agreement with OML 42 host communities to remit 5 percent of its 45 percent to host communities, an act inimical to continuous peace in the region.”

Reacting to the allegations, the Chief Operating Officer NECONDE, Chief Olajide Ishola insisted that the whole agitation was mere oil politics as the company had honoured its agreement with host communities.

“There was no 5 per cent agreement consummated with the host communities as Shell sold its equity shares and we bought them.

“We have employed a lot of the indigenes to operate and manage the facility. Unless they want my position as the number two man in the company is Ijaw man.

“We will engage the communities, discuss and reach a compromise. We are a peaceful company.”

Mulade added that the host communities will do everything possible to ensure that the host communities rights were achieved.

He also threatened that they will shut down complete operations in OML 42 should the company ignore or treat the order with disdain.

 

“The unwholesome activities of NECONDE to tactically relegate all indigenous Niger Delta contractors by re-awarding all contracts in OML 42 operations to their cronies and tribesmen in unacceptable.

“The evil attempt to relegate indigenes by NECONDE and replace all communities workers currently working in all the flow stations with non-indigenes, relatives, and friends is a calculated attempt to short change local indigenes of their source of livelihood.”

Mulade insisted that if the company meet their conditions, the quit notice and revocation calls will be lifted.

 

The post Host communities issue quit notice to NECONDE on OML 42 appeared first on Vanguard News.