KEG warns Ajaokuta youths against stalling AKK project amid threats by Gbaramatu Ijaw, MDIOGPC

A socio-cultural group, Kogi for Efficiency in Governance, KEG, has warned youths in Ajaokuta not to derail the Ajaokuta-Abuja- Kaduna, AKK, Gas Pipeline project, “because of its numerous economic benefits to Nigerians.”

The warning by KEG to Ajaokuta youths, is coming on the heels of threats by Gbaramatu Ijaws of Warri South-West Local Government Area, the Federated Omadino Communities in Warri South Local Government Area and Movement for the Development of Itsekiri Oil/Gas Producing Communities, MDIOGPC, to disrupt the AKK project if the Federal Government fails to resume construction work at the Gas Revolution Industrial Park, GRIP, Project in Ogidigben, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.

In a statement released yesterday, the Chairman and Secretary of KEG, Suleiman Adeku and Hassan Enejo, respectively, cautioned Ajaokuta youths against narrowing down the AKK project to petty politics.

The statement was sequel to a recent protest by some youths in Ajaokuta against the smooth commencement of the AKK project.

KEG described the youths as uninformed and misled by people, “who are more interested in their personal gains.”

According to the group, the company handling the project, OILSERVE, has followed due process by visiting stakeholders and have restated their willingness to have a harmonious relationship with the host communities.

KEG added: “We gathered also that the company also said it's illegal for anyone to farm or carry out any development on the right of ways that have been acquired over time.

“In addition, they said it is not their responsibility to pay compensation on right of ways, saying it's the responsibility of the NNPC, which they understand have acquired this right of way over time.

"We are aware that the company have visited traditional rulers and stakeholders in the affected States and communities to ensure a hitch-free operation.

“The then Administrator of Ajaokuta Local Government, Mustapha Aka'aba, also took proactive step by setting up a Committee to effectively liaise with the companies operating in the area and the youth to ensure that all problems associated with the operation of companies and benefits to the youths are amicably resolved and not specifically for OILSERVE.

"It will not be proper for the companies in the area to operate on the basis of individual relationship, hence the need for the committee”, the statement stressed.

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