By Sunday Apah
Emadadja community in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State has issued a 21-day ultimatum to NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL) to commence construction of the flow station at Abura or prepare to vacate the area.
This decision was communicated in a letter addressed to the Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), signed by Ambassador Festus Oshemughen and Comrade Christopher Origbo, the President General and Secretary General of Emadadja community, respectively.
In the letter, community representatives stated, “It has been a long time since oil operations began in Emadadja Community.
“Throughout this period, the oil extracted here has been routed to Otu-Jeremi in Ughelli South LGA.
“Despite numerous efforts to establish a proposed flow station to assess production capacity over the years, these attempts have proven unsuccessful, leading to concerns that our benefits are being undermined.
“After much discussion, it was agreed that the flow station should be built as soon as possible; however, we have seen no progress to date.”
The letter further emphasized, “In light of these concerns, a community assembly meeting was convened, attended by all Executive Committee members, youth, women, and elders.
“Key issues contributing to the delay in constructing the flow station were discussed, and we found them deeply troubling.”
The community expressed their frustration regarding “the hardship and underdevelopment faced by our residents amidst abundant resources.
“We have concluded that former NPDC, now NEPL, and their partners show little interest in the community’s development and the welfare of its people.
“Thus, we have resolved to give a 21-day ultimatum for immediate mobilization to the site for the construction of the flow station.
“We also demand the completion of all MoU projects that were agreed upon before the implementation of the PIA, as well as completion of the drilling processes for Wells 13 and 14, which have been abandoned.”
Also, they called on NNPC to urgently direct NEPL to revoke any contracts with the company currently engaged for the construction of the OML 65 flow station and ensure the proper management of the field.
The community representatives voiced their concerns regarding a joint venture partnership that occurred in London on August 3, 2022, stating that it holds no interest in developing phase 1 of the approved OML 65 project.
As a result, they do not accept any further operations from these companies in their community.
“This position must be taken seriously, or we cannot guarantee the security and safety of OML 65 oil exploration on our land,” they warned.
Copies of the letter have also been forwarded to the Governor of Delta State, the Commanding Officer of 63 Brigade in Asaba, the Commissioner of Police in Delta State, the Managing Director of NEPL, the Executive Chairman of Udu LGA, and other relevant authorities.
