Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, SPDC, has confirmed that operations are currently ongoing at its Enwhe Field Development Project in OML22, Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.
This is as three communities playing host to the project, namely Aminigboko, Egunughan and Owerewere communities had recently shut the site, following disagreements bordering on alleged marginalisation by the company and Abua/Odual Cluster Development Board.
But SPDC Spokesperson, Mr. Michael Adande, confirmed that all stakeholders are being engaged to ensure amicably resolution and support for the project.
“All stakeholders are regularly engaged to ensure all issues are resolved and necessary support is given to this critical national asset. We enjoy the support of people and government and will continue to deliver the project in a safe and effective manner,” SPDC said.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government has cautioned host communities against actions capable of disrupting developmental projects in their domain, assuring that it would protect the interest of the state as well as that of investors in accordance with the law.
OML 22: Rivers cautions host communities against project disruption
The Commissioner for Community and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Oliselloka Tasie-Amadi, condemned the situation where host communities transfer their internal conflicts to companies operating in their domains, while assuring all stakeholders that the state government will find a way to resolve the issues.
Tasie-Amadi explained that conflict in one community was capable of de-marketing the entire state and scaring investors away, if not properly handled, pointing out that there were many peaceful ways of resolving conflicts.
