Three feuding communities locked in legal battle over ownership of Elepa 1 and 2 oil wells have agreed to a decision reached by the Bayelsa government to ensure peace and security in the area.
The communities claiming ownership of the Elepa Oil Fields being operated by the Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, formerly Shell, are Elepa, Nembe and Egweama in Nembe and Brass Local Government Areas of the state.
Addressing stakeholders of the communities at a meeting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa capital on Thursday, the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo said government had endorsed the sharing formula recommended by the Irorodamie Komonibo-led Committee set up last year to mediate on the matter.
Ewhrudjakpo said the terms of agreement ceded 40 percent of all royalties, employment slots and contractual jobs from Renaissance Africa Energy Company to Elepa, while Egweama and Nembe were allocated 30 percent each.
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He directed that the three contractors engaged under the company’s Free To Operate (FTO) system for the supply of tug boats, swamp buggy, and crew boats should come under one contract and share the profits accordingly based on the sharing formula.
He commended the level-headedness of leaders and stakeholders of the area, adding that the government’s position was informed by its overriding interest to ensure peace among the feuding communities.