BY SIMEON NWAKAUDU<\/p>\n
For many decades,\u00a0 the struggle for resource control for the overall
\ndevelopment of the Niger Delta has been a top priority.\u00a0 Leaders over
\nthe years adopted several methods\u00a0 to ensure that Niger Delta oil
\nresources were deployed for the benefit of the people.\u00a0 These methods
\nhave had varying degrees of success.<\/p>\n
Leaders after leaders have worked hard to ensure that communities get a
\nfair share of their natural resources. Most of the time, these struggles
\nend in\u00a0 disappointment.\u00a0 The oil bearing communities are left without
\nbenefits, while the international oil companies laugh to the bank.<\/p>\n
The fight for Oil Mining Lease (OML) 11 situated in Ejama Ebubu
\ncommunity in Eleme Local Government Area and the adjoining Ogoni and
\nother communities of Rivers State was tortuous.\u00a0 It lasted for about
\nthree decades. The people traversed different courts, before they won
\nthe matter. Many of those who started the matter have since departed the
\nworld.<\/p>\n
MAJOR DEFINING DECISION<\/p>\n
With the Judicial Victory for the EjamaEbubu Community, the stage was
\nset for the defining moment for resource control in Nigeria.\u00a0 A new
\ndirection for the entire Niger Delta.<\/p>\n
Basically, On the 11th of January 2019, Shell\u2019s appeal was dismissed
\nat the Supreme Court of Nigeria. The judgments of the High Court, the
\nCourt of Appeal and the Supreme Court were registered in the United
\nKingdom for enforcement over there against SPDC parent companies
\ndomiciled outside Nigeria\u2019s shores.<\/p>\n
It is important to understand that Ejama Ebubu community commenced
\nenforcement by domiciling the judgment in the State High Court and
\nlevying execution on SPDC moveable\u2019s in their Industrial Area in Port
\nHarcourt;<\/p>\n
(ii)\u00a0 \u00a0 Those chattels were attached on the ground but not removed;<\/p>\n
(iii)\u00a0 \u00a0SPDC invited the community and offered them N7 billion as
\nagainst the judgment debt of N194 billion, which the community refused
\nto accept;<\/p>\n
(iv)\u00a0 \u00a0The community approached the court for and order granting them
\nleave to sell SPDC\u2019s immovable property comprised in OML 11 and their
\nkidney Island support base in Port Harcourt.<\/p>\n
The key aspect of the entire enforcement process was the auction of
\nSPDC’s stakes at OML 11.<\/p>\n
Bearing in mind the importance of Rivers State and her people to become
\nkey players in the oil sector for the empowerment of the people,
\nGovernor Wike took the beneficial decision of acquiring the auctioned
\nstakes of SPDC at OML 11.<\/p>\n
In a state-wide broadcast on September 30, 2019, Governor Wike outlined
\nseveral reasons that justified this acquisition.\u00a0 These reaons centred
\non the\u00a0 development of the oil bearing communities,\u00a0 their peace and the
\noverall economic development of the country.<\/p>\n
However,\u00a0 two key reasons focused on the deprived people.<\/p>\n
He said: “That rather than standby and watch other persons or group
\npurchaser SPDC 45% interest in that OML 11 and further exacerbate the
\npoverty of the people of the State, a responsible and responsive State
\nGovernment should weigh in and bid for the purchase of SPDC interest
\nalready set down for auction;<\/p>\n
”\u00a0 That the present Government of Rivers State entrusted in my care
\nthrough the Will of God and those of the peoples of the Rivers State
\nhave concluded that it will be in the overall interest of the State, the
\nother Federating States and the Federal Government that we as a
\nGovernment, should make a bidfor the purchase of the said interest of
\nSPDC now placed on auction by extant Order of the Courts of Law.”<\/p>\n
SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY<\/p>\n
This action was taken by\u00a0 the administration of Governor Nyesom Ezenwo
\nWike to safeguard the interest of Rivers communities.\u00a0 It was taken with
\nevery sense of responsibility.\u00a0 It sent a clear message to international
\noil companies that the Rivers State Government is always on the side of
\nthe people,\u00a0 ever ready to stand with them.<\/p>\n
The action was necessary as it emphasised that Rivers people will always
\nbe the centrepiece of governmental engagements.<\/p>\n
Governor Wike said during the State Broadcast on OML 11: “I have taken
\nthese steps with all sense of responsibility believing that addressing
\nthe pains and poverty of our peoples with the resultant security and
\nwelfare of its people is the main purpose of governance and nothing
\nless.<\/p>\n
“Without any doubt, this is a profound economic investment with profound
\nand enduring positive implications on peace, security, development and
\nprosperity for the oil-bearing communities of OML 11, the entire Rivers
\nState and our country.”<\/p>\n
WORKING WITH THE STAKEHOLDER COMMUNITIES TO MAKE PROGRESS<\/p>\n
The Resource Control struggle pertaining OML 11 is not unilateral.\u00a0 All
\nthe key stakeholder communities have been brought on board in Governor
\nWike’s commitment to right the wrongs of the past.<\/p>\n
Governor Wike\u00a0 assured the Ejamah Community and other host communities
\nof Oil Mining Lease (OML) 11 that the Rivers State Government will
\ndefend their right in any ensuing legal battle over the oil facility
\nacquired by the Rivers State Government.<\/p>\n
Speaking during an appreciation visit by the leaders of Ejamah Community
\nof Eleme Local Government Area at the Government House Port Harcourt ,
\nGovernor Wike commended the community for standing firm and fighting
\nthrough established due process.<\/p>\n
“While I remain Governor,\u00a0 one thing I will never do is sell the
\ninterest of our people.\u00a0 The property of Shell Petroleum Development
\nCompany ( SPDC) were auctioned and the Rivers State Government bidded
\nand acquired them.<\/p>\n
“There will be legal battles.\u00a0 The Rivers State Government will stand
\nfor Rivers people”, he said.<\/p>\n
He reiterated that with the acquisition of the 45 percent stakes of SPDC
\nat OML 11, the Rivers State Government will extend some percentage to
\nthe host communities to give them a sense of belonging.<\/p>\n
He praised Ejamah community for engaging in\u00a0 the legal battle for 29
\nyears and refusing to be swayed by financial proposals by SPDC.<\/p>\n
He said: “I am ready for the legal battle.\u00a0 The interest of Rivers State
\nmust be protected at all times. But for your fight, who will be talking
\nof Rivers State Government acquiring OML 11. OML 11 is not only for
\nOgoni, it extends to Okrika, Andoni, Oyigbo and Ikwerre.<\/p>\n
“Any community linked to OML 11 should be eternally grateful to you. I
\nknow some communities that only N300million will change them. You
\nrefusal to collect N7billion led to the auctioning of Shell Interest.<\/p>\n
“If the Federal Government wants to talk, it is the Rivers State
\nGovernment it should talk with, because we have acquired Shell’s
\ninterest. I am with you.\u00a0 God knows I have no personal interest.”<\/p>\n
Interacting with the Etche Ethnic Nationality,\u00a0 part owners of OML 11,
\nGovernor Wike said the efforts of the Rivers State Government are geared
\ntowards ensuring that the communities get the best from the acquisition
\nof OML 11.<\/p>\n
He said: “What Rivers State Government\u00a0 wants is for the interest of our
\nstate to be protected.\u00a0 Whoever that is coming to take over will have
\nthe interest of the communities protected.
\n“When the communities are part owners of OML 11, there will be peace.
\nBut some people sit down\u00a0 and engage in unnecessary propaganda”.
\nGovernor Wike said that the acquisition of OML 11 is the height of
\nresource control struggle.
\nMeeting with the leaders and people of Ogoni Ethnic Nationality at the
\nGovernment House,\u00a0 Port Harcourt,\u00a0 Governor Wike assured them that the
\nacquisition of OML 11 is for the overall interest of the Stakeholder
\nCommunities and the State.<\/p>\n
GENERAL ACCEPTANCE OF THE ACQUISITION OF OML 11 BY STAKEHOLDER
\nCOMMUNITIES<\/p>\n
Presenting the address of the people of Ogoni Ethnic Nationality during
\nmeeting at the Government House Port Harcourt, Senator Bennett Birabi
\nlauded the governor for the acquisition of OML 11 for the benefit of the
\nstate and Ogoni people.
\nHe also thanked Governor Wike for the numerous\u00a0 infrastructure put in
\nplace in Ogoni land. He also commended\u00a0 Governor Wike for the
\nrestoration of peace in the state and Ogoniland.<\/p>\n
Leader of the Ejamah Community,\u00a0 Chief George Osaro said that the people
\nof Ejamah community are happy with the governor’s intervention in OML
\n11.<\/p>\n
He said: “The people of Ejamah community do hereby express our profound
\ngratitude to you for wading into the matter and ensuring that the Rivers
\nState Government purchased the 45percent interest of SPDC in OML 11.”<\/p>\n
He said that the intervention of the governor should not be
\nmisconstrued,\u00a0 as it in the overrall interest of the host communities.
\nHe said that the action has liberated the people.<\/p>\n
Chief Osaro said that Ejamah Ebubu suffered one of the worst oil spill,
\nwhich negatively affected their environment.<\/p>\n
“We must understand that the Governor’s Plan is to boost the state
\neconomy,\u00a0 create employment and alleviate the suffering of the people,
\nthe State and the Niger Delta entirely as well as the nation”, he said.<\/p>\n
He described Governor Wike as a pace setter, a visionary leader and
\nemancipator of the people.<\/p>\n
The Ejamah community conferred on Governor Wike a chieftaincy title:
\n“Oneh Owese Oboru Ejamah.”<\/p>\n
At a Stakeholders Meeting at the Government House,\u00a0 Leader of Etche, who
\nare part owners of OML 11, President-General of Ogbakor Etche, Sir Machy
\nNwodim commended the Rivers State Government for acquiring the oil
\nfacility.\u00a0 He said as part owners of OML 11, Etche Ethnic Nationality
\nviews the\u00a0 action as a welcome development.
\nHe appealed to the Rivers State Governor to take a similar action on OML
\n17, where the bulk of Etche oil is found.<\/p>\n
The Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers was not left out in the
\nseries of appreciation to the Governor for his resource control
\nstruggle.\u00a0 Their position was made known during their last quarterly
\nmeeting.<\/p>\n
Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and Amayanabo
\nof Opobo,\u00a0 King Douglas Dandeson Jaja commended the Rivers State
\nGovernment for the acquisition of 45 percent of the OML 11.<\/p>\n
He also commended the Rivers State Government for winning the ownership
\nof Soku Oil Wells through the Court. He said that the victory would lead
\nto peace in the area.<\/p>\n
CLANDESTINE NEGATIVE PROPAGANDA BY DISLODGED OPPRESSORS<\/p>\n
Following the acquisition of OML 11, dislodged oppressors of the
\nStakeholder Communities hired propaganda mercenaries to heap insults on
\nthe Rivers State Governor.\u00a0 These elements move from Radio Station to
\nnewspapers trying to discredit the acquisition and also Campaign for
\ninterests outside Rivers State.<\/p>\n
One Gani Togba,\u00a0 who fronted for an oil company during the settlement of
\nthe issues on the re-opening of OML 25 is the lead negative propaganda
\ntool. Since he is not a leader of any of the Stakeholder Communities,
\nhe comes under a propaganda trading organisation,\u00a0 which is well
\nfinanced by the dislodged interest groups.<\/p>\n
But the way he failed during his retainership for OML 25, he has already
\nfailed in the OML 11 Acquisition.\u00a0 Leaders of the Stakeholder
\nCommunities have keyed into the acquisition programme and they are
\nworking with the Rivers State Governor to promote Rivers interests.<\/p>\n
Several other hired clandestine propagandists are working daily through
\ndifferent platforms to promote anti-Rivers agenda regarding OML 11. But
\nRivers people are happy with the governor for promoting and defending
\nthe interest of the state.<\/p>\n
NEW APPROACH,\u00a0 BETTER RESULTS<\/p>\n
The new approach adopted by Governor Wike to promote and defend the
\ninterest of Rivers State,\u00a0 yields the best results .\u00a0 With the legal
\nacquisition of the controlling stakes at OML 11, the development process
\ncan no longer be halted.<\/p>\n
This new approach promotes social cohesion and security.\u00a0 It encourages
\ncommunities to rely on the rule of law to achieve results, instead of
\nembracing\u00a0 destructive arms struggle that decimates communities and
\nrelegates the development process.<\/p>\n
This new approach further involves the community in the ownership
\nstructure of the oil facility.\u00a0 Being Joint Stakeholders, they are
\npartakers in the process, hence they will better appreciate whatever
\nchallenges may arise.<\/p>\n
Very importantly,\u00a0 the people will be directly empowered by the new
\nownership structure at OML 11. More Rivers people in the different
\ncommunities that own this facility will get worthy benefits from their
\nnatural resources.<\/p>\n
The Local Government Areas,\u00a0 Rivers State and Nigeria will also have
\nvarying degrees of economic benefits the acquisition of OML 11 and the
\nattendant economic development.<\/p>\n
This is the beginning of the enthronement of the rule of law over the
\nillegality of violence. It is the right way to go and can never be
\nhijacked by violent criminals masquerading as agitators or ex-agitators.<\/p>\n
This approach led to the peaceful resolution of the OML 25 conflict to
\nthe benefit of the Stakeholder Communities. The reliance on due process
\nand constructive engagement also led to the resolution of the conflict
\nbetween Mgbuesilaru community and Shell Petroleum Development Company as
\nmediated by Governor Wike.\u00a0 Several other communities have embraced the
\nnew approach of constructive engagement, rule of\u00a0 law and dialogue for
\nthe resolution of conflicts.<\/p>\n
Going forward,\u00a0 the respect for the rule of law,\u00a0 constructive
\nengagement and dialogue will displace recourse to violence in the
\nresolution of conflicts relating to oilfields and other related matters.
\nThis is an outstanding legacy that Governor Wike is cultivating in the
\nNIGER DELTA.<\/p>\n
BY SIMEON NWAKAUDU For many decades,\u00a0 the struggle for resource control for the overall development of the Niger Delta has been a top priority.\u00a0 Leaders over the years adopted several…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":71270,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-71269","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\n