21 December 2015, Warri -Worried by alleged double standard being played by Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, leaders of Ijaw and Itsekiri Oil and Gas Producing Communities have called for a total review of the company’s policy on manufacturer’s agents.
According to the aggrieved leaders, Shell workers are not only playing double standard but are using agents who are their cronies in procurement processes.
In a statement addressed to President Muhammadu Buhari by Messrs Edougha Moses and Fregene Emiko, National President Ijaw and Itsekiri Forum respectively, the people alleged that the huge financial commitment of annual renewal of the heavy marine vessel for contract documents are renewed yearly without jobs.
“All the Shell staff working in Delta State are christened Rivers State indigenes, hence the monthly PAYE deductions now accrue to Rivers State, thereby short-changing Delta State revenues,” the leaders said.
Lambasting Shell for its refusal to fully implement the Nigeria Local Content Laws, the aggrieved people want Shell workers to vacate Ijaw and Itsekiri land as they can no longer guarantee their safety.
“Obviously, the activities of Shell are a threat to the fragile peace in the Niger Delta region. Shell did not only insult the host communities, it also snubbed and rubbished Governr Ifeanyi Okowa by failing to honour the peace talks summoned by the governor in December 15, 2015 in Asaba,” they said.
