By PRECIOUS AKUTAMADU

The traditional leadership of Belema Community in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers has disowned a purported power of attorney allegedly authorising Ekulama Flame Nigeria Ltd. To represent the community.

The Amanyanobo of Belama community, Dr Anyanate Kio, disclosed this at a news conference in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

Kio, while reading a communique signed by the Council of Chiefs, secretary, women leaders and Community Development Committee members, said the document could not bind the community.

He said the purported power of attorney, allegedly executed on June 16, was signed by Chief Kruma Eleki and Chief Wapakabuere Egbelekro.

According to him, neither the traditional ruler, accredited Council of Chiefs nor other recognised leadership structures participated in, consented to or authorised the document.

“The purported power of attorney is invalid and cannot confer authority over Belema’s lands, territories, resources, rights, interests or leadership structures.

The traditional ruler also clarified that Belema Flow Station and Belema Gas Station were located within Oil Mining Lease (OML) 25 and not OML 55, as allegedly stated by the purported donors.

“OML 25 is responsible for petroleum exploration, production and storage but has no authority over Belema’s traditional governance, ownership or administrative structure.

“The community’s traditional leadership and accredited representatives retain authority over its affairs,” he said.

Kio said such authority could not be transferred or delegated to a third party without the community’s consent.

He said provisions in the disputed document authorising Ekulama Flame Nigeria Ltd. To negotiate or receive royalties, compensation, employment opportunities or community development benefits were invalid.

He warned that any agreement, payment, compensation, Memorandum of Understanding, Community Development Agreement, royalty arrangement or other transaction based on the document would be challenged through lawful means.

The traditional ruler urged oil and gas companies, government agencies, contractors and other stakeholders to conduct dealings concerning Belema and its satellite settlements through the community’s lawful traditional leadership or authorised representatives.

“Belema community has a duly installed traditional ruler who has fulfilled the required traditional processes and whose position has not been legally challenged.

“Consequently, individuals and organisations are cautioned against using social media or public announcements to determine the traditional ownership or leadership of the community,” he warned.

Kio said the community had consequently placed Renaissance Africa Energy Company, Nucros Exploration and Production, Belema Oil Producing, Donor Spectra, government agencies and contractors on notice.

He added that the community had also notified the offices of the Rivers Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, the Commissioner of Police, the Director of the Department of State Services, and the Nigerian Armed Forces about their position. (NAN)