By Enaibo Asiayei
Following the refusal of the NPDC/Neconde, AMT JV in Oil Mining Lease – OML 42 to commence Field Memorandum of Understanding, FMOU, meeting with its host communities in Delta state, the company has been given a 14-day ultimatum by the communities.
The host communities warned that failure to address the issues itemized within 14 days will lead to complete shutdown of operations of OML 42 fields.
This was revealed in a press release and signed on behalf of OML 42 Host Communities Forum in Warri South West and Warri South Local Government Areas by Chief Samson Oyimi; Hon. Shadrack Otuaro and Amb. Billy Ekele, on Tuesday, calling on the Chief of Army Staff to call his men to order while the OML 42 host communities are agitating for their legitimate right in order not to intimidate the members of the host communities.
“We, the undersigned for and on behalf of the OML 42 Host Communities of Odidi 1, Odidi 2,Egwa 1 & Egwa2, Batan and Jones Creek Oil and Gas fields, hereby sincerely and vehemently wish to issue NPDC/Neconde AMT JV OML 42, fourteen (14) days ultimatum for their refusal to honour their letter dated 13th April 2021, and our reminder of previous letters written to their management for the commencement of FMOU discussions which they have vehemently refused, dated 30th of April, 5th of August and 20th of August, 2021, respectively.
“Therefore the OML 42 host communities, in an emergency meeting, have resolved and have no option but to issue their management 14 days ultimatum to resolve the following issues as stated below.
“Convene the Field Memorandum of Understanding (FMOU) with the OML 42 host communities, which their management has refused to commence from 2020 till date.
“Address the issue of contracts award to OML 42 host communities.
“Pay arrears of scholarship awarded to OML 42 host communities’ students in post primary schools and tertiary institutions.
“Employ managerial staff from OML 42 host communities into the management of NPDC /Neconde,” it said adding that, “Since inception of NPDC/Neconde, no developmental projects have been executed in the OML 42 host communities.
“Establish skill acquisition centers in the OML 42 host communities.
“Pay contractors high profile debts from 2017 to 2021.
“Pay outstanding FTOs MOUs, O&M and other financial entitlements due OML 42 host communities.”
Not yet done, the release warned that, ” Failure to address the issues itemized within 14 days shall lead to complete shutdown of operations of OML 42 fields.
“Furthermore, we call on the Chief of Army Staff to call his men to order while the OML 42 host communities are agitating for their legitimate right in order not to intimidate the members of the host communities.
“We wish to remind the law enforcement agencies and government authorities, in view of our previous protest letters written to various concerned authorities/ stakeholders for notification/intervention, eg Nigeria Army, Effurun Barrack, 3rd Battalion, Commissioner for Oil and Gas Delta State, Commissioner of Police, Delta State, DSS, etc. all proved abortive,” it concluded.
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