*Chiefs of Opu-Nembe community addressing a world press conference.
OpeOluwani Akintayo
Lagos — Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Ltd., has been issued with an immediate quit notice by its host, the Opu-Nembe community in Nembe-Bassambiri, Nembe Council of Bayelsa State.
Chief Oriango Oruwari, Chairman of the Council of Chiefs, who addressed the media at a world press conference and protest march by the community leaders said the conference served as a quit notice to Aiteo, effective from November 14, after when it is no longer welcome to operate in the region.
The indigenous oil company was accused of “economic strangulation, ecological destruction, contract racketeering and corporate wickedness” against the community.
The traditional rulers and chiefs in the kingdom wore all-black outfits in what they said was a symbolic way to announce the company’s death and final burial in the community.
“The incompetent manner this prized asset is operated has caused several oil spills in our kingdom, some of which are now receiving attention from NOSDRA, following petitions from our lawyers, though they remain uncleared and unpremeditated over a year after.
“At this rate, the remnants of our ecological resources and natural livelihoods may completely vanish during the remaining two and half years of President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure, all thanks to Aiteo.
“Consequently, we declare as follow: that the operational licence of OML 29, held by Aiteo, having expired on June 30, 2019, notwithstanding the illegal secretive renewal by the then Minister Ibe Kachikwu, should be relinquished.
“That the Federal Government owned Nigeria Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) should take over operations of OML 29, pending when a new, competent and community friendly operator takes over…”
SweetcrudeReports contacted a spokesperson for Aiteo, however, both messages and phone calls put through to him were not responded to.
