There is a twist to the planned disruption of operations of oil mining lease (OML) 34, in Delta State, as the Chairman of chairmen of the 28 host communities, Michael Oghenegueke, has denied the threat.
ND-Western Company and NNPCL Exploration & Production Joint Venture is the operator of OML 34.
Oghenegueke, debunking media reports of a five-day ultimatum issued to the oil company over continued negligence, failure and refusal to fulfil the mandatory obligations, said leaders of the host communities, who met last Saturday, resolved to investigate the development and take actions.
Oghenegueke, who is also the executive chairman of Otu Jeremi community in Ughelli South, said the publications did not have his and other chairmen of host communities’ approval.
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He said the company and the communities had a method of resolving their issues and not through the pages of newspapers.
Dismissing claims of disagreement between the parties, he said the management of NNPC E&P Ltd and ND-Western had been doing their best to sustain the cordial relationship that had existed with the communities.
He described the publications as a ploy by mischief makers and fifth columnists to cause disaffection between the host communities and the oil company.
The President General of Iwhrekan Community, Rufus Onokurefe, said they had always opened a window of engagement to the company, when issues of concern arose.