By Nelson Utip
Members of The Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) from Anyama and Onuebum clans of Ogbia Local Government area of Bayelsa State have shut down an oil field operated by the Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) over what they term the company’s disregard to the state government’s directive on resumption of negotiations with host communities, the angry youths stormed the site of the oil well project OPL 2005 claiming that SEEPCO, the owner of the project, has not shown regards to the directive on resumed negotiations with host community and compliance with local, state and federal laws, including the Environmental Impact Assessment EIA.
Numbering about 100, the rampaging youths arrived the dredging site of the project in the early hours of Wednesday causing a stoppage of work.
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The Onuebum youths were led by the Chairman and Secretary of the Onuebum Oil and Gas Task Force, Mr. John Bailiff Egapekpar and Engr. Ebitimi Egbenpere respectively. Chanting Ijaw war songs and displaying placards with inscription such as “SEEPCO comply with Section 12 of the EIA Act”, “IYC demand implementation of Section 236 of the PIA for Onuebum community”, “We reject your non-compliance with Petroleum Industry” and “Desist from your violatory operations in Onuebum”.
Comrade Samson, The IYC Chairman in Ayama clan and Insurance Lucky, said their action was aimed at impressing on Sterling global in the areas to conduct an EIA in accordance with existing laws in respect to their communities.
“We call on the company to resume discussion with the community and respect the relevant laws. The company have also rebuffed and shun efforts by the IYC to assist in the resolution of the contentious issues.” Samson said.
The traditional heads of the Onuebum community led by The Paramount Ruler, HRH Obanema Kine Kobolota Osain, Ogo XVI and his Deputy, High Chief John Alpheus Edede, Opalama XIII called on the state government to call Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) to order.
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HRH Obanema Kine Kobolota Osain, Ogo XVI Speaking on the development said the community had been pleading on the youth to tow the part of peace and avoid acts that would lead to violence in the community.
“When they invaded our ancestral land and desecrated our forest and burial sites, we restrained the youths against acts that will instigate quarrel. The company and its agents are behaving as if they are above the laws.
“What we are asking is for the company to conduct EIA and respect existing laws. Instead of complying, they embarked on divisive tactics. They have disregarded the community authority. We call on the state government to call the Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) to order.”
The Monarch said while calling on The Federal Ministries of Petroleum Resources, Environment and Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission to impress on SEEPCO to comply with the PIA, Environmental Impact Assessment Act and Local content Laws in line with industry best practices.
On his part, The Deputy Paramount Ruler, High Chief John Alpheus Edede, Opalama XIII observed that in spite of the directive of the state government for the company to engage the community before further actions, they are operating without the consent of the community.
As at the time of going to press, SEEPCO could not be reached for their comment on the issue as their official phone number could no go through.
