Edith CHUKU
Embittered Bakana clan chapter of the Movement for the Survival of the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta MOSIEND, has expressed disappointment in the operations of NNPC 18 in the Cawthorne channel area.
MOSIEND accused NNPC 18 of running its activities with secrecy, high-handedness, and complete disregard for community welfare.
This was stated in a release made available to TNN on Monday by MOSIEND, Bakana Clan leadership, Blessing Braide and Chairman, Council of Elders Bakana clan, Rev Cannon Igoaso V Omuaru.
The pan Niger Delta group noted with dismay that “since taking over from EROTON Ltd, NNPC 18 had proven to be the worst operator in the region. MOSIEND Bakana Clan strongly condemns the operations of NNPC 18 in the Cawthorne Channel area.
“The company has failed to honor its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) obligations and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) commitments. Instead, it has chosen to manipulate processes, exploit divisions, and neglect its host communities.”
The foremost Niger Delta mass mobilization organization challenged NNPC 18 to “present verifiable evidence of any tangible contributions it has made since assuming operations. Meanwhile, insecurity in the area, oil theft, illegal bunkering, sea piracy, and kidnapping has worsened due to the company’s unprofessional and incompetent management practices.”
While highlighting what it believes as key issues with the NNPC 18 operations, MOSIEND accused the DAA 3 Cluster Board Committee of complicity.
“The Board, whose executives have overstayed their tenure, now serves as a proxy for NNPC 18 rather than as a voice for host communities. Their actions betray the trust of the people and perpetuate the divide-and-rule tactics employed by the company.
“Key issues with NNPC 18 operations are 1. Unprofessional and incompetent management; lack of transparency, accountability, and concern for community welfare. 2. Divide and rule tactics; deliberate creation of divisions among host communities. 3. Failure to fulfill CSR obligations, neglect of commitments to community development and youth empowerment. 4. Lack of genuine engagement, absence of consultation and partnership with stakeholders. 5. Environmental degradation, possible harm to land, rivers, and livelihoods due to unchecked drilling activities.”
In their demands, MOSIEND called on the Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd, Mr. Bashir Jamoh Ojulari, the National Security Adviser, Alhaji Nuhu Ribadu, and Mr Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, to urgently intervene on the matter.
The group warned that, “If nothing is done within 14 days, the people of Bakana and other affected communities will have no option but to take their destiny into their own hands.
“It is unacceptable that while NNPC 18 generates millions of dollars in revenue from crude oil operations, the host communities and their youths continue to wallow in poverty, neglect, and environmental hardship. Enough is enough!”
On the just concluded local government election in Rivers State, MOSIEND commended Bakana community for their peaceful conduct during.
“We equally salute the Amayanabo of Bakana, King Lawrence Odum Barboy, for his steady leadership and commitment to peace, and pledge our full support towards his developmental agenda.
“We also appreciate the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Sir Siminialayi Fubara, for his reconciliation efforts with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor, Chief Barrister Nyesom Wike. Their rapprochement has helped to restore peace and political stability in Rivers State.”
