Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has decried the neglect and marginalization of oil producing communities in the Niger Delta region, especially Itsekiri land by the oil multinational companies, warning the oil companies operating in Itsekiri communities and the Niger Delta to change a new leaf.
The monarch, who gave the warning during a visit to Jakpa Community in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, also advocated the setting of a new moral foundation in in the Niger-Delta particularly in Itsekiri land.
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He lamented that despite over 60 years of oil exploration on Itsekiri land, the people continue to suffer poverty, neglect and frustration.
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He appealed to stakeholders of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to prioritise the development of the Itsekiri people.
He stated that the Itsekiri people have listened to figures, production numbers, revenue charts, academic explanations ground about oil exploration from the land over the year, and must benefit from their God-given natural resources.
He said: "Today, we say clearly, those numbers no longer impress us, because they do not reflect the actual reality of the lives of our people.
"Our priorities are clear and in this order; electricity and connectivity, potable water, healthcare, education, accessibility and employment. I place emphasis on gainful employment, without a sense of entitlement; oil companies operating in our land could do so much better when it comes to gainful employment.
"We are not here for window dressing, or to be considered as part of the landscape, or to be treated as necessary evil. All Nigerians can and should benefit from employment by oil companies, but the locals should not be treated or traded for other considerations. Employ our people.
"For sixty years, hundreds of billions of dollars have flowed from these swamps, with almost nothing to show for it, in these same swamps. That chapter is closed.
"These next 60 years, I want to appeal to the government, in collaboration with the oil companies, that when these things that we are asking for, once they are being approved and awarded, those who are privileged to be given the responsibility of carrying out these jobs, that it should be treated as a sacred responsibility.
"We seek alignment for the common good, where the quality of our current and future lives and environment, is just as important as the economic interests of all. The Palace will no longer watch from a distance. Gulf oil has morphed into Chevron.
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"The palace is standing up for her people. We bring our voice, our authority, and our clout to stand with every oil-bearing community in Itsekiri land," he said.
