Acquire Agip’s Liabilities, Not Only Assets, Gov Diri Tells Oando *Says Dredging, Dams Solution To Flooding *Reinstates Traditional Ruler
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has implored Oando Energy Resources Nigeria Limited, which recently acquired the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), to accept the liabilities and not just the assets of the oil firm it bought over.
Governor Diri said this was the only way to end the frosty relationship between the former company and its host communities.
The Bayelsa governor stated this on Thursday during the courtesy visit of the management team of Oando Energy to Government House, Yenagoa.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, quoted the governor as calling on the Oando management to right the wrongs of the divested company by addressing issues of employment, contractual benefits, security jobs and environmental pollution.
The Bayelsa helmsman advised the company to avoid the ugly incident associated with another oil firm operating in the state that is in court with the government over oil spill dispute in Nembe Local Government Area.
Diri noted that multinational companies that shy away from corporate social responsibility end up as bad business managers, which in the long run result in crisis between them and their host communities.
He also stated that indigenes that qualify to work in the oil firm should not only be considered for the lower ranks but should also be part of the management.
He said: “Let me congratulate you for being found worthy, having concluded the processes of acquiring all the assets of the Nigerian Agip Oil Company. But be reminded that you have not only acquired the assets. You have also acquired the liabilities.
“By the laws of this country, the rights of hosts, states and communities have been taken away because oil found underground belongs to the country. These are very inhuman laws.
“Part of the reason for the frosty relationship between Bayelsa State, the oil producing communities and the company that you have acquired were around employment, contractual benefits, security jobs and others. We, however, believe this is an opportunity for you to right the wrongs.
“You are a brand new company today. So, in terms of employment and contractual obligations, let the people of Bayelsa be involved. That way, there would be mutual respect, peace and smooth operations in this state.”
He promised the management of the government’s collaboration, saying the state had a lot to gain from such peaceful oil activities.
In his remarks, Managing Director of Oando Energy Resources Nigeria Limited, Dr. Ainojie Irune, said the visit was to formally introduce the management team that would be doing business in the state and to seek a fruitful partnership.
Dr. Irune expressed the hope that the company would have a clean start with a view to building a healthy working relationship with the Bayelsa government.
Earlier, at a meeting with first class traditional rulers in the state, the governor called on the Federal Government to respond to the flooding menace in the country by building dams and dredging the rivers.
He said the major river channels had become shallow and required dredging to enable them increase the volume of water received.
“The federal government must go beyond warning us about impending flood. They should dredge our rivers and build dams to check flood in Nigeria,” he said.
Following an appeal by chairman of the state’s traditional rulers council and Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama kingdom, King Bubaraye Dakolo, the governor announced the lifting of the suspension on the Obanema (paramount ruler) of Otuokpoti community in Ogbia Local Government Area, King Azibakayam Wongo.
He said collaboration between the traditional institution and the state and local governments was important in order to sustain the prevailing peace in the state.
Governor Diri appreciated the monarchs for their support and assured that the doors of his administration were always open for their counsel while urging them to live above board.
Chairman of the traditional rulers council, King Bubaraye Dakolo, explained that the visit was to felicitate with the governor on his victory at the Supreme Court, saying it reflected the wishes of people of rhe state.
The monarch also appreciated him for working closely with the traditional rulers and expressed their readiness to continue to collaborate with the government for the development of the state.
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