Tony John, Port Harcourt
Stakeholder communities of Oil Mining License (OML) 25 and Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the re-opening of the closed flow station and the payment of outstanding funds owed them under the extant Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMOU).
The MoU signed between Shell and the communities also mandated IOC to pay into a dedicated account, the sum of N1.36 billion within two weeks for the development of the communities.
Representative of Rivers State Governor and Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, Solicitor-General of the State, Mrs Florence Fiberesima, Permanent Secretary, Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Felix Odungweru, superintended over the signing process yesterday, at the Government House, Port Harcourt.
The Settlement Agreement was signed on behalf of the communities by traditional rulers, youth presidents, chairmen of community development committees and community leaders.
Those, who signed the agreement included: the stakeholder communities of Kula, Belema, Offoin-Ama, Ibie-Ama, Boro and Opu-Kula .
Addressing stakeholders at the meeting, representative of the State Governor and Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr. Danagogo, said that fundamental reason for Monday’s meeting was to sign the agreement, without prejudice to who holds different positions in the communities.
He said: “We are here to sign the settlement agreement between Shell and the Kula communities. We are here to resolve the issues between Shell and our people.
“After this agreement, other meetings would be convened to determine the issues of employment, community development and community contracts. For now, the aim is for Shell to pay the funds that have accrued and for the flow station to be opened for further development in the communities”.
He said that the state administration was aware of those being sponsored to stop the process of settlement, peace and progress, noting that the Rivers Government was determined to conclude the re-opening process.
He added that government’s actions were based on the renewal of SPDC Operating License, adding that should the license be transferred to Belema Oil by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the State Government will ensure its implementation.
“We want our people to own oil blocks, but, we don’t want a situation where the operating license of others in our state are illegally taken away. This is because other Rivers people are operating in other states. Let us approach these issues in peace to achieve progress”.
The representative of the governor and Secretary to the State Government emphasised that government would not succumb to any plot to derail the progress made at settling the dispute at OML 25.
General Manager, External Relations of Shell Petroleum Development Company, Igo Weli, said the signing of the settlement agreement was a welcome development, which will improve the reputation of the State, as a centre for investments.
He said that peace and harmony between corporate entities and host communities was the way to go.
He said: “This is a good model and template. This is best practice. We came here to find solutions because we want the best for our communities. There are always constructive ways and peaceful ways of resolving conflicts”.
Amanyanabo of Kula, King Kroma Eleki, called for peace across Kula communities to pave way for the peaceful operation of OML 25.
He commended the Rivers government for ensuring the peaceful resolution of issues in the area.
Amanyanabo of Belema, King Ibinabo Kalaoriye, who also signed the settlement agreement, thanked the government for the peaceful process that led to the agreement.
He expressed happiness with the terms of agreement, saying that those, who have occupied the flow station would leave.
The Amanyanabo of Belema said since the license of Shell Petroleum Development Company has been renewed, there was no need for any individual to shutdown the flow station.
Chairman of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, Rowland Sekibo, said that the signing of the agreement was a genuine progress that would help the development of the area.
He said going forward, Shell would has learnt its lessons and work in the interest of the host communities.
Head of Ngeje Community, Chief Ibinabo Kiliya, thanked the State Government for involving the community in the settlement agreement. He signed the agreement on behalf of his people .