OML42: Odidi federated communities youths rejects GMoU with Neconde
By Ndu Samuel, Asaba
Youths of Odidi Federated Communities in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State have rejected proposed signing of Global Memorandum of Understanding GMoU with management of Neconde Oil company operators of OML42.
Comrade Truston Gbenekama, the Youth President of Odidi Federated Communities and the Coordinating Secretary of Odidi Central Communities Development Foundation disclosed this through a press statement Obtained by The Liberator Newspaper on Thursday.
Gbenekama said Odidi federated communities cannot be cajoled again to enter into a GMoU with an organization that has in the past violated agreements reached with its host Communities and betrayed the hard earned trust of the people.
He however commended the management of the organization for initiating and organising the ‘People’s parliament’ a programme aimed at fashioning out modalities for smooth and peaceful coexistence between operators of OML42 and their host Communities.
The youth president described the programme as a “welcome development” because it afforded the community women, elders, youths and other groups the opportunity to express themselves and make fundamental imputes in their own affairs “I appreciate Neconde for partnering with CEPEJ the NGO to facilitate the process.” He said.
He however remarked that “The Coordinator of CEPEJ, “ Comrade Chief Sheriff Mulade, the Ibe Sorimowei of ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, a man that is highly respected in Niger Delta, a foundational member of driving the process that gave birth to Chevron GMoU and Current Secretary General of Egbema Gbaramatu Community Development Foundation is aware of the advantage, disadvantage, politics and limitations GMoU to Host Community development,” therefore he “should not be part of what will further enslave the already frustrated people of OML 42.
While explaining the reason such attempt by Neconde will be resisted, the youth leader said “Our fears is that a company that has perpetually failed all agreements reached with Host Communities in the presence of the State Government and other agencies in terms of payment, how will they implement the execution of contracts awarded to communities?
“On this note, I want to stress emphatically that Odidi Field will not be part of any GMoU process because the Parliament discussion is tailored toward achieving GMoU and its patterns are obvious.
“Our stance is that Neconde JV should negotiate separately with Host community Executive on field production bases and vote a production quota to develop the communities on each field according to their priority of Projects for a duration of Five years”.
“A central Governing Council of OML 42 Communities to pilot the affairs and execution of project will be resisted. Haven said this, I want to reiterate that the period of Negotiating with Host Communities should not stop payment of Community monies owed, over the years Community Contract payment, Workers Salary and other Benefits of Community”.
“Failure to meet any existing agreement will lead to operational inconveniences no doubt. I advise Neconde to Clear all pending payment up to date these will give confidence and Trust to the communities and it is a show of Sincerity.”
“Outside that we believe that this process will fail woefully for the fact that we believe the devil more than Neconde. Neconde has also deceived the devil and offended God of the Land in their perpetually lying ability without remorse”.
