Bayelsa State may be on the brink of another oil-related crisis as the Egeberiki Community in Nembe Local Government Area has raised an alarm over alleged marginalization in the ongoing discussions concerning the Obama/Kolo Creek 8? 32km Gas Pipeline Project.

In a strongly worded letter addressed to Oando Energy Resources (OER), the community, through its legal representatives, Emmanuel Isangidoho & Co., warned that its exclusion from negotiations regarding the project could lead to tension. The letter, dated recently and directed to the Divisional Manager, Stakeholders Management & Community Development at Oando, called for urgent intervention to prevent possible unrest.

According to the letter, the affected section of the pipeline route ? points OBK 3 to OBK 12 ? passes through land exclusively owned by the Egeberiki Community, as affirmed by a 2007 Supreme Court judgment. The ruling settled a long-standing legal dispute over the land, confirming Egeberiki?s ownership against the Ikoni family. Despite this ruling, the community alleges that neither Oando nor its predecessor, Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), has compensated them for the land acquisition.

The legal representatives attached a letter from NAOC acknowledging the Supreme Court ruling but expressing reluctance to pay the compensation due to fear of resistance from the Ikoni family. The community contends that Oando, which inherited NAOC?s assets, has continued in this pattern of neglect.

The Egeberiki Community further accused Oando of engaging with parties that do not have legal ownership of the land. The letter claims that discussions are ongoing with the Ikoni/Kantee family of Akakumama, the Ibokolo and Ebede families of Dorgu Ewoama, the Clan Head of Okoroma, and the Okoroma Council of Chiefs, while the rightful landowners are sidelined.

The letter described this engagement as an ?expropriatory scheme? aimed at depriving the Egeberiki people of their rightful benefits from the project. The community warned that such actions are ?naturally resentable and provocative?, with possible consequences on peace and stability in the area.

Demands for Negotiation and Recognition

To prevent a potential crisis, the Egeberiki Community has made specific demands from Oando, including:

1. Immediate cessation of all meetings and negotiations with any individual, family, village, or organization claiming ownership of the land between OBK 3 and OBK 12.

2. Formal engagement with the Egeberiki Community as the recognized host community, in line with Nigeria?s oil and gas regulations.

3. A commitment to corporate social responsibility in the area, as required by law.

The community?s legal representatives urged Oando to act swiftly, warning that ?a stitch in time saves nine? and emphasizing that peace, safety, and security should be prioritized.

As tensions mount, industry watchers are keen to see how Oando responds to these claims, especially in a region where oil-related disputes have historically escalated into violent confrontations.

Efforts to reach Oando Energy Resources for comments were unsuccessful as of press time.

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