Delta State Government Places Embargo On Protest To Oil Companies

The Delta State government has placed a ban on any form of protest by youths and communities to any oil company operating in the state.

The State Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Prince Emmanuel Amgbaduba who disclosed this in Asaba during a meeting with some officials of Midwestern Oil and Gas Company said government will not condone any form of breakdown of law and order in host communities.

He said the decision of the state government was necessitated by the need to ensure that peace and security reigned supreme in all parts of the state particularly in the operations of oil and gas companies and their host communities .

The Oil and Gas Commissioner warned that the state government will not condone any protest from youth groups or host community to the premises of any Oil and Gas company over any grievances as such should be directed to the office of the Commissioner for prompt action.

Prince Amgbaduba urged security agencies to maintain peace in the premises and properties of Midwestern Oil and Gas company operating in Umusadegbe, Kwale in Ndokwa West local government area

The Commissioner expressed regret over the death of two security personnel of the company describing it as an ugly incidence stressing that the state government will not entertain the loss of lives and property under any guise.

He directed security agencies not to leave any stone unturned by thoroughly investigating the circumstances that led to the death of the two security personnel of Midwestern Oil and Gas company assuring that his ministry will set up a committee to look into the matter in  order to forestall a re-occurrence.

The Oil and Gas Commissioner also directed the owner of a bush bar beside the company to relocate and expressed concern that no representative of the community attended the meeting noting that a new date will be fixed for another meeting.

Prince Amgbaduba said the state government had provided the enabling environment for businesses to thrive adding that oil companies operating in the state must operate within ambit of the law in line with international best practices.

He expressed worry over the shutting down of the operations of the company saying it was not in the best interest of the state and the nation and urged the company to go back to production once it is safe for them to resume operations.

The Commissioner noted that oil and gas companies operating in the state had enjoyed relative peace as the Okowa administration had ensured that they operate under a conducive atmosphere.

The meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Oil and Gas, Mrs Gladys Puegeren, Directors and some officials of the Ministry, representative of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Conflict Resolution,Chief Edwin Uzor, representatives of Western Oil and Gas Company and the Joint Task Force.