Egbema communities write Okowa, threaten to stop operations of Elcrest E&P, NPDC
Sidioama Communities in Egbema kingdom, on Monday, threatened to stop the operations of Elcrest Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited and the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), Operator of the OML 40 JV, Gbetiokunn Oil Field in Benin River, Warri North Local Government Area in Delta State.
The communities who said their decision is to attract the necessary attention, noted that the companies have not taken any step towards effecting the outstanding payments due their communities.
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This was contained in an open letter addressed to the Executive Governor, Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Government House and signed by Roland Kiri BKK, chairman Asisabubotie community; Dennis Okoro, chairman Ubebrakul community; People Sanki, chairman Agbinwagha community; Bewo Tebedo, chairman Okofagbene community; John Osifo, chairman Erekonghan community and Ik Saturday, chairman Ojudoigbene community.
The open letter was titled: “REFUSAL OF ELCREST E&P NIG, AND NIGERIA PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY (NPDC) TO PAY SIDIOAMA COMMUNITIES HOST/CATCHMENT AREA COMMUNITIES) THE POLL AGREED UPON WITH REGARD TO THE ACTIVITIES OF THE RIG OPERATIONS IN OML 40 GBETIOKUNN OIL FIELD IN BENIN RIVER IN WARRI NORTH LGA, DELTA STATE—A REMINDER
“On the 20th of January, 2022, we wrote to you explaining the attitude and behavior of ELCREST and NPDC towards us with regard to the outstanding payments. We have not received or heard of the steps your Excellency has taken towards addressing the issue.
“ELCREST and NPDC have not taken any step towards effecting the outstanding payments due the Sidioama communities. Even Alhaji Omoko, who has been mediating between us and NPDC/ELCREST has stepped aside.
“We see Alhaji Omoko’s action of stepping aside as working against our interest.
“We, the Sidioama communities, cried out to you via the letter of 20th January 2022; you ignored us. Your Excellency sir, you did not come to our aid. All those in authority, the companies, ELCREST and NPDC, and security agents abandoned us, may be because we are a peace loving people.
“In the view of the treatment meted on us, we, the Sidioama communities, will resort to any means to make ELCREST and NPDC to make the outstanding payments that are due us, and the recognition of our communities.
“The Sidioama communities may be stopping the operations of ELCREST/NPDC in OML 40 to attract the necessary attention,” it added.
By Ebi Perekeme
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