From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Ahead of the 2023 general elections, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has warned oil companies operating in the state to steer clear of politics.
Diri, who said this when he received representatives of AITEO Eastern Oil Exploration and Exploitation Limited in Government House, Yenagoa, expressed displeasure over the involvement of some oil firms in the 2019 governorship election in the state, which, he said, affected their relationship with his administration.
The governor, baring his mind to the management of the company, said since his inauguration on February 14, 2020, AITEO just deemed it fit to pay a courtesy call for the first time.
He emphasised the need for a harmonious relationship between the state government and oil firms, saying it will benefit both parties.
He said because his administration was anchored on love and he had overlooked some of the issues about the firm’s involvement in the 2019 governorship election as well as the company’s handling of last year’s Santa Barbara River oil spill in Nembe Local Government Area of the state.
He, however, lauded the company for the courage to identify with the state government in the aftermath of the flood despite the seeming cracks in the relationship between both parties.
The governor commended AITEO for its generous donation to the flood victims in the state and assured that the fund will be judiciously used.
He equally appreciated AITEO for supporting sports in the country, especially football through sponsorship of the AITEO Cup, which was won by Bayelsa United and Bayelsa Queens last year.
The Group Managing Director, AITEO, Mr. Victor Okoronkwo, said the company had enjoyed a good relationship with people of the state hence the need to identify with them in their trying moment.
He presented a cheque for N50 million to the governor in support of the state’s post-flood recovery efforts.