The Ndokwa Neku Union (NNU), the umbrella body representing the Ndokwa Nation, has issued a warning to Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) over the company’s alleged neglect of its social responsibilities to host communities.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at the Government House, Asaba, on Wednesday, the President-General of the NNU, Brig. Gen. Mike Ndubisi (rtd.), decried SEEPCO’s snubbish attitude and disregard for the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Brig. Gen. Ndubisi (rtd) accused the oil company of operating in Ndokwa land for years without building any meaningful relationship with its host communities or respecting traditional institutions.
“SEEPCO has no regard for traditional institutions. Even our respected traditional leaders here are not aware of the company’s presence because they have no regard for their persons. We are bringing their reckless and lackadaisical attitude to your notice,” Ndubisi stated.
He further warned that the growing frustration among Ndokwa youths could lead to uncontrollable actions, adding that “our youths are angry and may react unpredictably in a manner we may not be able to control. Your excellency, kindly use the instrumentality of your office to urge the company to act appropriately. The signs are ominous; a crisis is looming.”
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Responding, Gov. Oborevwori stressed the importance of dialogue in resolving issues, urging the Ndokwa leadership to engage SEEPCO constructively and discourage any attempts by the youths to take matters into their own hands.
“You talked about SEEPCO. I also believe that dialogue is the best way to go. I will appeal to you to tell your youths not to take the laws into their hands. Your leadership can liaise with them. There is no way you will engage them, and they won’t listen. If you write to them, they will respond,” the governor said.
Gov. Oborevwori called on SEEPCO to honor its memorandum of understanding with its host communities, stressing that no company can operate without such agreements if peace is a priority.
“I think we would also look at a way to invite them and to talk to them for them to keep to their memorandum of understanding because no company operates without a memorandum of understanding, except you don’t want peace.
“The only thing we will not accept is for people to take the laws into their hands and attack oil installations or operations. Delta State is known as the highest oil-producing state, and I intend to maintain that status,” Gov. Oborevwori added.
