Adhere to MoUs, Delta tells oil firms

Assembly receives three new private bills

Delta State government has charged oil and gas companies operating in the state to adhere to their Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with host communities, to ensure sustained peace and development. The government’s position was made known when a high-powered delegation led by the Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Emmanuel Amgbaduba, visited traditional rulers in Kwale, headquarters of Ndokwa West Council, following the death of two security staff of an oil firm, which led to the shutting down of operations of the company by youths of the community.

Amgbaduba, who was at the palace of the Oduosa of Kwale, Isaac Obi, said the visit was to condole with the monarch and the kingdom over the unfortunate death of two of his sons. He disclosed that security agencies had been directed to thoroughly investigate the circumstances leading to the death of the two security personnel.

“A stakeholders’ meeting would hold in Asaba on Monday (today) to address all the issues, as government was deeply concerned,” he noted.While thanking the monarch for his fatherly role in calming the situation from escalating, the commissioner added that efforts would be strengthened to enhance peace.

At the palace of Okpala-Uku of Umusadegbe Ogbe, Amgbaduba said, “Adhering to MoUs between oil and gas companies and host communities would enhance peace, and government would not support divide-and-rule system.”He assured that all issues raised by the people would be discussed at the stakeholders’ meeting to avert recurrence.On his part, Charles Emetulu (representing Ndokwa West in the House of Assembly) lauded the monarch for the proactive and responsive steps he took during the crisis.

“I will would work with stakeholders for peace to reign,” he assured.At the Okpala-Uku’s palace, Emetulu urged the people to always involving him in any dealing with oil companies as the representative of the people.In his remarks, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Ifeanyi Egwunyenga, said, “To achieve the Stronger Delta vision of the Ifeanyi Okowa administration, peace and stability are needed in all parts of the state.” He commended the monarch, security agencies and other stakeholders for ensuring that peace reigned in the area.

Executive Assistant to the Governor, Nnamdi Ezechi, expressed concern over the attitude of oil and gas companies operating in the area with respect to the welfare of the people and development.

Meanwhile, the House of Assembly has received three new privately-sponsored bills, including Delta State Local Content Agency and other matters bill, Effective Surveillance and Response to Maternal and Perinatal Deaths and related matters bill, and Delta State Corporate Social Responsibility Monitoring Agency Bill. Having passed through the first reading, the second reading will start tomorrow.

The first two were sponsored by the Majority Leader, Tim Owhefere, while the third was by Ferguson Onwo (Isoko South II).Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Mr. Dennis Otu, stated that the notice of presentation and first reading of the Effective Surveillance and Response to Maternal and Perinatal Deaths and related matters bill was moved by the Majority Leader and seconded by the Chief Whip, Pat Ajudua. Second reading of the bill is slated for January 28, 2020.It further stated, “The Delta State Corporate Social Responsibility Monitoring Agency Bill, was presented by the member representing Isoko South II Constituency, Hon. Ferguson Onwo, and seconded by the Majority Leader, has Wednesday, January 22, 2020 slated for second reading.”