WARRI/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, has demonstrated an earnest desire to entrench peaceful co-existence among host communities of Oil Mining Lease (OML) 150, through a directive, communicated to the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, by the Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Prince Emmanuel Amgbaduba.
Before now, the Delta State Government had set up a seven- member communities’ liaison officers to manage the affairs of the host communities, with regards to their relationship with Conoil Producing Limited, which is prospecting the OML 150 Field.
Amgbaduba told the monarch, during a visit to the Olu’s Palace, that Governor Okowa, out of his desire for peace at the OML 150 Field, had directed that the arrangement on ground be put to a stop by February 19, 2022, when a management committee was expected to take effect.
The monarch and the commissioner agreed to ‘fast track’ compliance with the directive, so as to put the matter to rest even before the set date.
Amgbaduba, who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Oil and Gas, Mrs. Gladys Puegeren, and management staff of the ministry, explained to the monarch that the ministry was charged with creating a conducive environment that would help oil and gas business and investments to thrive in Delta State.
The Oil and Gas commissioner said they were in Warri because they did not want to do a letter, but to personally see the respected monarch and in the process, get his royal blessings.
The host, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, expressed appreciation for the visit, saying he would ensure that the process was harmonised and that no gap was allowed to exist.
Speaking on the inter relationship between the host communities, the Egogo of Warri, Chief Robinson Ariyo, said there was a sharp division between the communities, leading to the existence of two factions before Governor Okowa’s intervention.
