Michael Oghenegueke, the chairman of chairmen of the 28 host communities in OML34, Delta State, has refuted assertions that they gave ND-Western E&P Company and NNPC Limited an ultimatum to cease activities.
The host communities are allegedly at war with the oil business over what they allege is ongoing neglect, failure, and reluctance to fulfil the mandatory responsibilities to the harmed host communities, according to several stories in traditional and internet media.
However, Oghenegueke, who also serves as the executive chairman of the Otu Jeremi Community in Delta State, denounced the publications, claiming that neither he nor the chairmen of the other host communities had given their consent.
According to him, if there is any issue that needs attention, the company and the communities have a process of resolving it and not through pages of newspapers.
He added that the management of NNPC Limited and of ND-Western have been doing their best to sustain the cordial relationship that has existed with the communities.
Oghenegueke dismissed any claim of disagreement with the management of ND-Western E&P Company and NNPC Limited, saying the publication was the handiwork of mischief makers and fifth columnists who want to cause disaffection between the host communities and the oil company.
In his response, the President General of the Iwhrekan Community, Comrade Rufus Onokurefe, said that there was never a time when the host communities agreed to engage the management of OML 34 in any media war.
He said that even when they have had to write letters to the management over some issues of concern, they had always opened a window of engagement and the issues were resolved amicably.
Rufus Onokurefe asserted that they neither knew about the alleged letter nor did they give their consent for the publications in question.
Oghenegueke asserts that all host communities have been working in harmony with the company and sees no justification for starting a conflict with one that has demonstrated such high standards of responsibility in their interactions with the communities.
However, addressing issues raised in the publications, the chairmen and president generals of the 28 host communities in OML34, said that the management of ND-Western E&P Company and NNPC Limited have a more responsible way of dealing with issues with the host communities and have never failed to address host communities’ concerns.
“Even if we have any problems, there are more responsible ways to solve them than fabricating fictitious crises that don’t exist. Since the company started operations in the host communities, it has upheld its corporate social responsibilities to the communities, including skill acquisition, scholarship awards, and the execution of the GMoU capacity building programme”.
He added that those who have not benefited will have the chance to participate in the programme.
However, he noted that the OML communities’ leadership had convened on November 5th to discuss the malicious publication and had decided to conduct a thorough investigation and take necessary action.