Leadership (Abuja)
Osa Okhomina
14 May 2008
Yenagoa — Bayelsa state Acting Governor, Mr. Werinipre Seibarugu yesterday faulted some conditions included in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and oil producing communities urging the oil companies operating in the state to show more commitment towards its social responsibility in their host communities.
The acting governor, who made his position known during a meeting held with representatives of Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC and Obunagha community at the state Government House, said many of the commitment of the Oil companies as contained in the MoU did not meet the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU).
He advised the SPDC to incorporate principles of the Global Memorandum of Understanding, GMoU, standard projects meant for their host communities rather than providing social amenities that are non-functional,"this gesture would go a long way towards eliminating areas of conflict between SPDC and host communities. There are certain projects contained in the MOU that were unacceptable and i urged SPDC to demonstrate more commitment in the provision of social amenities," he said.
To the people of Obunagha, the community hosting the Gbarain/Ubie Gas Gathering plant,he said they should not to take laws into their hands in the resolution of conflicts,"conflict was inevitable as it was part and parcel of human existence and but I must advise Obunagha community to use constitutional means in resolving issues at all times,"he added.
Mr. Seibarugu further called on the people of Obunagha community to respect government's intervention in the matter between it and SPDC as the problem was not only that of the community but a collective one.
The acting governor thanked all the people, especially the commissioner for Youths, Conflict Resolution and Employment Generation and secretary of the Ijaw Youth Council for their efforts at resolving the issues.
The Ibenanaowei of Gbarain Kingdom, King Gabriel Funpere Akah in his contribution lauded the efforts of the acting Governor for his peace initiative between Obunagha community and SPDC.
Chief Funpere Akah appealed to SPDC to always honour Memoranda of understanding and to carry the community along in its operations in order to avoid mis-understanding between them. He apologized on behalf of his people, promised to work harmoniously with the oil company and to maintain law and order in Obunagha Kingdom.
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