Oil impacted communities in Iduwini Kingdom, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State have issued a 30-days ultimatum to an oil firm, Sterling Oil Exploration and Engineering Petroleum Company (SEEPCO), “within which to do the needful or in the alternative face the wrath of the communities”.
The oil impacted communities accused the oil exploration firm of “neglecting and depriving” them of the legitimate benefits accruing to them as oil impacted communities and threatened to stop the oil firm from operating in their domain if, at the expiration of the 30-days ultimatum, the company failed to invite the communities leadership for a meeting to address their concerns”.
Also, the communities called on the Federal Ministries of Petroleum Resources, Environment and Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to compel SEEPCO to comply with the PIA, EIA Act and local content laws in line with industry best practices.These were contained in a statement signed on behalf of the oil impacted communities by Comrade Ashaka Joseph, representing Zidebegha federated communities.
The statement expressed concerns that the communities comprising Torugoloba, Bousine, Ogelegbaowei in Iduwini Delta Kingdom of Burutu LGA of Delta State, “which are oil impacted are neglected by the company operating in their domain”.It noted that “the communities are suffering from environmental degradation, ocean surge and erosion due to oil activities of Sterling Oil Exploration and Engineering Petroleum Company, yet the communities are neglected and ignored despite writing to them and sending them reminder letters severally”.
“We have done everything humanly possible to communicate with them (the management of the oil firm) in a very peaceful and civil manner, yet they failed to respond, taking us for granted, hence we are giving them 30 days ultimatum”, the statement said. According to the statement, “The resolution to confront the company with the 30-days ultimatum came after the leaders held a meeting in Warri and issued a letter that was signed by Chief Lucky Egbe General Secretary, Engr. Braboke Michael Community leader, Mr. Amafaye Andrew community leader stating that they would storm the company’s facilities at the expiration of the 30-days ultimatum if the company do not invite them for a meeting to address their concerns”.
The statement partly reads, “In a letter dated 27th September, 2024, the communities leadership had urged Sterling Oil Exploration and Engineering Petroleum Company to evaluate the extent of impacts and plan our benefits as impacted communities, as SEEPCO’s activities have caused severe erosion, displacement of homes, contaminating water sources and destruction of farmlands and aquatic life.”However, the company does not want to implement the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), but using divisive antics to escape their responsibilities.
“We are therefore by this reminder calling on you to invite us for talks as it relates to the adverse impact your activities is having on our communities within 30-days from the date of receipt of this letter. take note that if you fail to comply with our modest request, we will have no other option than to stop your operations that adversely affect our environment and livelihood, and give our lawyers instructions to take necessary legal steps to press in our demand and protect our rights”.
The communities also called on the Federal Ministries of Petroleum Resources, Environment and Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to compel SEEPCO to comply with the PIA, EIA Act and local content laws in line with industry best practices.
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