IKPEAZU, TOTAL BRAINSTORM OVER REVENUE, OIL COMMUNITY CRISIS

UMUAHIA, Abia, Nigeria – The Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has met with managment of Total E &P Nigeria Ltd over the lingering issues of none-remittances of revenue to the state by the multinational oil firm, and total neglect of the oil-bearing communities in Ukwa West LGA of the state, where the company is currently engaged in an oil exploration activities.

The meeting followed complaints by the state and the oil rich communities of Owaza and Asa in Ukwa West LGA of the state which prompted a recent tour of oil facilities in the area by Governor Ikpeazu, with a promise to resolve the lingering issues with Total E&P Nigeria Ltd.

At the meeting between the government and management of the oil firm yesterday, the Total delegation led by the Deputy Managing Director, Total E&P, Nig Ltd, Mr Francois Le-Cock commended the Governor for initiating the meeting, stressing need for dialogue between the company, the government and the oil-bearing communities.




“We commend the Governor for visiting our stations in Owaza, and also for calling us to this meeting for Community engagement. I appeal to the community not to prevent or stop us from working in the community.” Le-Cock said.

Stressing the need for peaceful coexistence of the state, community and the oil company, Governor Ikpeazu thanked the traditional rulers and people of Ukwa West LGA, especially the youths for the mature way they have conducted themselves in a peaceful dialogue instead of engaging in destruction of oil facilities in their communities despite the obvious neglect by the oil firms.

He said: “I must commend the oil communities in Abia for choosing the path of peace and dialogue instead of engaging in militancy and destruction of oil installations in the area to show their displeasure over the neglect and destruction of their communities and environment by the oil companies operating in their communities.