Conoil gets 7 - day ultimatum to implement PIA in Itsekiri host communities

Leaders and stakeholders of OML 150 Host Communities in Warri, Delta State, have issued seven days ultimatum to Conoil Producing Limited, operator of OML 150 Bloc to resolve all issues and concerns of the communities as regards the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA and the implementation of the agreement entered with the communities in the presence of the Olu of Warri and the Delta State Government.

The leaders and stakeholders of OML 150 Host Communities who issued the seven days ultimatum to the oil firm during a press conference in Warri, weekend,said they are surprised that a company like Conoil would prefer that they operate in an atmosphere of chaos and anarchy contrary to a peaceful and conducive environment credible companies all over the world are seeking, which they said they have been providing for Conoil as host communities to OML 150.

Speaking during the press conference, a leader in one of the communities Roland Yomere, said it still beats the imagination of the host communities why Conoil is yet to set in motion the process of implementing the PIA by setting up the Board of Trustees of the Host Communities Development Trust with the nominees forwarded to them directly and through the Palace of the Olu of Warri since 2022.

While commending the Olu of Warri Ogiame Atuwatse III for his development strides and collaborative efforts with various legally constituted community leaderships in his domain for the collective growth and development of the kingdom, the communities urged the Olu to be weary of a hand full of chiefs working contrary to his vision for their selfish interests, fingering a particular chief which they claim has direct connection and influence in Conoil and has allegedly been in the vanguard of frustrating every efforts geared towards building a smooth relationship between the OML 150 Host Communities and Conoil.

On his part Secretary of the Forum, Emmanuel Aginejuone, said it is evil for a chief at this time to be working contrary to the vision of the Olu of Warri for companies in the kingdom to have a smooth and cordial working relationship with their host communities for all-inclusive growth and development.

He noted that the communities will vehemently fight against move by these same individuals to secretly subvert the will of the people by trying to alter the list already submitted for their personal and selfish gains.

The clear cut message by the leaders of OML 150 Host Communities at the end conference is for Conoil Producing Limited, operator of OML 150 Bloc to wake up to its responsibilities by within seven days set in motion majors to implement the PIA by setting up the Board of Trustees of the Host Communities Development Trust and totally implement the agreement entered with the communities before the Olu of Warri and the State Government, or have their operations completely short down at the expiration of the seven days ultimatum.

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