From Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
The leadership of the Movement for the Survival of the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND), Bakana Clan chapter, has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the NNPC 18 operators of the Cawthorne Channel area, over allege secrecy operations among others.
MOSIEND, in a statement signed and issued to newsmen on Monday by its Chairman, Bakana Clan, Comrade Blessing Braide, and Chairman, Council of Elders Bakana Clan, Rev Cannon Igoaso V Omuaru, accused NNPC 18 of alleged divide and rule tactics, high-handedness, and complete disregard for community welfare.
The Group lamented the failure of the company’s management to honour its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) obligations and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) commitments, but instead, it has chosen to manipulate processes, exploit divisions, and neglect its host communities.
The statements reads “We challenge NNPC 18 to present verifiable evidence of any tangible contributions it has made since assuming operations.
Insecurity in the area, oil theft, illegal bunkering, sea piracy, and kidnapping has worsened due to the company’s unprofessional and incompetent management practices”
“It is unacceptable that while NNPC 18 generates millions of dollars in revenue from crude oil operations, the host communities and their youths continue to wallow in poverty, neglect, and environmental hardship”
These issues must be resolved or they will be made to face unpleasant consequences, “Unprofessional and incompetent management; Lack of transparency, accountability, and concern for community welfare.
Divide and rule tactics; Deliberate creation of divisions among host communities.
Failure to fulfill CSR obligations, Neglect of commitments to community development and youth empowerment.
Lack of genuine engagement, Absence of consultation and partnership with stakeholders, and Environmental degradation, Possible harm to land, rivers, and livelihoods due to unchecked drilling activities.
We therefore call on the Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd, Mr. Bashir Jamoh Ojulari, National Security Adviser, Alhaji Nuhu Ribadu and Gen. Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, to immediately intervene in resolving these issue and call the management to order.
We furthermore commend the people of Bakana community for their peaceful conduct during the recent Local Government election.
We equally salute the Amayanabo of Bakana, King Lawrence Odum Barboy, for his steady leadership and commitment to peace, and pledge our full support towards his developmental agenda.
We also appreciate the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Sir Siminialayi Fubara, for his reconciliation efforts with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor, Chief Barrister Nyesom Wike. Their rapprochement has helped to restore peace and political stability in Rivers State.
