OIL FACILITIES IN ABIA; ABIA GOVERNMENT AND TOTAL E/P MEET…

#AbiaOnline
Following the recent agitation against the Total E & P Nigeria Limited by the host oil communities in Ukwa West LGA which provoked a tour of the oil facilities by the Abia State Governor , Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, A peace meeting was held today with the company.
Speaking at the meeting held in Government House, Umuahia, the Governor said that the State government wants oil companies to thrive but advised that they must perform their Corporate Social Responsibility to the community and the State as a whole.
He pointed out that Abia State should be getting tax revenues from the company. Oil Companies should involve the host communities by making them know the local content, provide jobs for the people and hold meeting with them by creating Community Relations Offices.
The Governor regretted that since 1958 the oil exploration started in Owaza community, there is nothing to show for it in terms of development in the area. He stressed that it was lack of clear communication between Total E & P Nigeria Limited and its host community, that led to the problem, stressing that the people should have an idea of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the company in their land. He assured the willingness of the community to do business with the company.
Dr. Ikpeazu who thanked the Owazza people for their maturity in handling the case, observed that there was need to treat the people well as Owaza community in the tradition of Abians are known to be very peaceful. He added that Nigeria should start to compensate oil communities that do not carry arms against oil companies in their vicinities.
Earlier, the Deputy Managing Director, Total E & P Nigeria Limited, Portharcourt, Mr. Francois Le-Cocq appreciated the Governor for conveying the meeting. He said his company will involve dialogue in settling the matter as he believes in dialogue. Mr. Le-Cocq pleaded with Owaza community not to prevent them from working in the community.
In a vote of thanks, the leader of Owazza community, Chief Sam Nwogu thanked the Governor on behalf of his people for standing for them and promised to provide enabling environment for the company to work.