25 April 2013, Asaba – The Delta State Government has issued Pan Ocean Oil Corporation until May 10, 2013, to pay compensation to Abavo community in Ika South Local Government Area for drilling oil in the area.
The traditional ruler of Abavo Kingdom, Obi Uche Irenuma II, made the disclosure at a meeting between the state government, Abavo community and the oil company at the deputy governor’s office in Asaba.
The monarch disclosed that the deputy governor, Prof. Amos Utuama, who presided over the meeting, also advised the oil company to abide by the Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, it reached with the community to avoid crisis.
On the controversial flow station proposed by the oil company for Owa-Alidima, he said the state government and security agencies had asked the oil company to stay action on the issue as it involves OPL 275 until a meeting between the state government, the oil company and Abavo community was held.
Irenuma 11 expressed happiness at the outcome of the meeting and commended the state government for wading into the crisis between the oil company and Abavo community, saying that the flow station was paramount to Abavo community.
He maintained that Abavo people were peace loving and as such would continue to promote the peace and security agenda of the State government.