By: Ogemdi Ozoemenam, Awka
Anambra State House of Assembly has asked the administration and management of four oil companies to appear at plenary session on Tuesday 3rd September 2024 over perverted activities of oil and gas exploration companies in the State.
They are Sterling Oil Exploration and Gas Production Company Limited, operating in Ogbaru LGA, Sahara Energy Resources Ltd in Ihiala LGA, Orient Petroleum Resources Ltd in Anambra East LGA and Cotton Wooden Gas Limited in Ayamelum LGA. They shall appear with the Commissioner, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC)
The lawmakers requested the appearance of key executives of the companies including Group Chairman/CEO, Chief Operation Officer, Vice President of the Company, Group Managing Director, Base Manager, Head of Environmental and Production Department and Head HSE to come and explain their mode of operations.
Recall that on March 1st 2024, the House Committee on Petroleum and Mineral Resources Chaired by Hon. Chidi Ibemeka, during its oversight function, visited this companies to ascertain on-the spot accessment of their activities.
The member representing Njikoka One Constituency Hon. Chidi Ibemeka rising under a matter of urgent public importance at Thursday’s plenary, informed the House about the unholy and perverted activities of oil and gas exploration companies in Anambra State.
While quoting section 14 (2)(b) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which stipulates that the primary role of government is the protection of life and property, Hon Ibemeka said as lawmakers and representatives of the people, they are duty bound to checkmate irregularities within Anambra.
The lawmaker stated that with the grave and intolerable situation unfolding in Ogwuikpele and Ugwuaniocha Communities within Ogbaru LGA, where persistent unrest, killings, protest, and vandalization of properties have disrupted the lives and livelihoods of ndi Anambra, it has become imperative for the 8th assembly to take decisive action.
“The severity of the issues necessitates an immediate and thorough inquiry into the role and responsibilities of the oil and gas exploration companies operating in Anambra State and as such necessitates compelling the administration and management of the following oil and gas exploration companies.
“The situation has reached a critical point where inaction or lack of accountability (including lack of responsibility in fulfilling their Corporate Social Responsibility – CSR) from these companies is no longer accepted.
“The residents of Ogwuaniocha and Ogwuikpele as well as other host communities deserve answer and immediate remedial actions to restore peace and security in the concerned areas.
“Their presence is crucial to provide a comprehensive briefing on their general business activities within Anambra State, with particular focus on the aformation communities where their operations have
coincided with distressing incidents and gross economic sabotage with regard to PIA
“This companies have been operating years before Anambra was included as an oil producing state.
“On our visit, we saw monumental fraud going on there and we want to know the value they have added to their host communities.
“Ogwuikpele and Ugwuaniocha depends and survives through the farm products and they have been suffering environmental degradation.
“For more than three weeks, their have been serious unrest in Ogwuikpele and we need to make a statement on the challenges facing our people,” Ibemeka said.
Supporting the motion, Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Nobel Igwe, Hon. Ejike Okechukwu (Anaocha two), Hon. Jude Umennajiego (Onitsha South two), Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Jude Akpua and Hon. Augustine Ike (Nnewi North) expressed concerns over the activities of the montioned companies.
“This activities is unacceptable and we are bothered with their mode of operations. Our environment are being destroyed and we must invite them. They must be brought to book”, the lawmakers said.
Anambra Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze while speaking, commended Ibemeka for bringing up the motion, asked the acting Deputy Clerk to send an invitation letter to the companies.###
