Aboh: Nest Oil PLC had denied blocking the roads in its areas of operations in Ndokwa East Local Government Areas of Delta State.
In a meeting held recently with cluster communities and Nest Oil Plc, in Aboh, chaired by the Executive Chairman of the LGA, Mrs Nkechi Chukwurah the company representatives saids they were not aware of such blockages.
The leaders of the cluster communities had earlier reported on the activities of the company in the area, which to a large extent is against the agreement signed.
According to the community clusters Chairman, Chief I.O Agbanashi, the issue of the blockages were not only reported to the company, but the death of one of the persons from the area, and how the blockage was hindering the lives of the people of Akaria-Etiti, Akarai-Obodo and Umuti communities, who were adversely affected by the blockages.
The meeting which provided avenue for the local government, the cluster communities and the company to resolve some of the grey areas which is affecting both sides, also discussed the issue of the work force, which the communities are claiming are not done through due process, but rather it is been used against them.
Mr Charles Derry who represented the company, said that all contractual agreement with the communities had been fulfilled, but said that on dropping of workers, he noted that in the FTO agreement there is a clause that empowers the company to drop 80% of the workers once the main line welding (ie 80% of work) is achieved and that has been done through the contractor (Agwu and sons).
Mr Derby however, ensured that the company will do all it can to maintain peace between the company and the communities in Ndokwa East.
Reacting to the attendance, the LGA Chairman, expressed dissatisfaction at the representatives sent by Nestoil Plc noting that the group is not well represented as top officials of the company were expected to be present.
She however assured the aggrieved people of Ndokwa East L.G.A that justice will be achieved as they are fighting a just course and justice will be achieved. She said Nestoil should continue working, and requested NNPC to intervene in the issue as the company is not being sincere in their dealings with the people of Ndokwa East L.G.
She requested that the people of the area should not be toiled with by playing politics and causing confusion among the populace, and asked the company to take responsibility for the death caused by the blockage of the road.
