Kunukunuma Federated Community in Gbaramatu kingdom has alleged plans by Neconde Energy Limited and Nigeria Petroleum Development Commission, NPDC, to remove her from list of OML 42 host communities.
The community further alleged that NECONDE and NPDC have concluded plans to hold OML 42 host communities meeting tomorrow, in which it feared Kunukunuma community was not included in the proposed meeting.
A statement by the community Chairman, Chief Moses Bebenimibo says Kunukunuma community held meeting with NPDC last month and the company promised them that their rightful host community benefit would be intact, and therefore wondered why NECONDE and NPDC would embark on denial mission of the community.
He further alleges that letters of invitation have been sent to stakeholders in sister communities of OML 42 to hold meeting with them, saying Kunukunuma community was not invited.
The Chairman said Kunukunuma community has been peaceful, warning that its peace loving should not be taken for granted by NECONDE and NPDC.
He further warned management of NECONDE and NPDC to change their minds by reversing their earlier decision to exclude the community in OML 42, or else face the consequence.
He stressed further that, should NECONDE and NPDC remain adamant, offices of both companies would be locked up by the good people of Kunukunuma community in protest of their right.
Chief Bebenimibo therefore called on Delta State Government, security agencies and other stakeholders to wade into the imminent crisis before it blow beyond control.
Recall, OML 42 Host Communities Forum recently issued a 21-day ultimatum to NECONDE to sort some lingering issues raised or quit the area.
In a press briefing and an organized protest at Ishaka Hotel Ekpan, the communities said the quit notice and revocation call was timely to avoid imminent crisis.
They said 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.
They further said it was disheartening and provocative the refusal of GMD, NECONDE Energy Limited to honour his agreement with OML 42 host communities to remit 5 percent of its host communities, which according to him was inimical to peace in the region.
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