Marginalization: Ogulagha Kingdom Decries Over Neglect, Writes President Buhari
Ogulagha Kingdom in Burutu Local Government Areas of Delta State yesterday through a Press Conference decries the absolute, total and abject neglect of the Federal Government and the multinational oil companies operating in the kingdom.
The kingdom frown against the total neglect and marginalization despite being the golden hen that lays the golden eggs, yet nothing meaningful is visible seen in the kingdom.
The statement reads in part.
*The ancient OGULAGHA KINGDOM is comprises of over 30 major communities and several satellite villages under the leadership of a Traditional Ruler, His Royal Majesty, Elder Capt, Joseph Timiyan (JP).......*
*It is of common knowledge to Nigerians and foreigners alike that OGULAGHA KINGDOM is one of the highest producers of crude oil and gas and the 'BLACK GOLD' is found in all nooks and corners of the Kingdom*..
*There are in fact several National and Multinational Oil and Gas Companies that carry out crude oil exploration, exploitation and production activities in the kingdom and prominent amongst these are; The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited; Nigeria Agip Oil Company, Chevron Nigeria Limited, Britannia 'U' Oil Limited, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO) and OANDO PLC.*
*
*The Kingdom hereby request for the following developmental project to be executed which are not limited to the followings; Shore production at Ogulagha, Obuguru, Osain and Abarabebe communities which lands are being washed away by high and heavy ocean waves, the sitting of a Federal University, Polytechnic and a Federal Medical Center/Hospital in Ogulagha Kingdom; construction of road and drainages in all the communities, dredging and canalization of access creeks in the Ogulagha community, Dredging and reclamation of Stuart creeks in the communities and a bridge connecting the kingdom to warri Urban Settlement.*
Amongsts other demands, The Kingdom request that her indigenes should be considered for appointment as chairmen and board members of Federal Agencies such as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Presidential Amnesty Office, the Federal Executive Council etc.
They also harped on the quick execution of the Export Processing Zone/ Gas Revolution Industrial Park as the project is designed to cover 27,000 hectares of land, part of which is the land of Ogulagha Kingdom. They opined that the name of the park should be called the Niger Delta Gas Revolution Industrial Park or any other appropriate name that will reflect all the host kingdoms, and not to a particular community as it is being called the Ogidigben Gas Revolution Industrial Park. They request that the leadership of the Kingdom should be consulted, liaised with and be part and parcel of all negotiations towards the actualization of the project. They called on the president to re-energize the process towards making the project a reality as it has the prospect of opening up the Riverine Communities in terms of provision of massive employment.
On Marginal Fields Bidding Process, the kingdom queries the process of bidding for ownership and operation of marginal field exercise of 2020. They lament that, the process does not give preference to indigenous investors who are natives of oil and gas producing communities/kingdoms.
They however, requested that indigenous investors from Ogulagha Kingdom should be given the right of first Refusal in the bidding process. The indigenous investors should have the right to run and operate the marginal fields in their Kingdom and it is only when there are no qualified investors from the kingdom that the bidding should be made open.
The Press Conference which was held at OBOTOBO 1 community in Ogulagha Kingdom witness a massive gathering of chiefs, Community leaders, Youth Leaders, the kingdom women leadership and host of numerous sons and daughters across the length and breath of the Kingdom.
Speaking on behalf of the Kingdom, Chief Larry Adenike issued the press statement which was co-signed by twelve (12) other notable chiefs and leaders in the Kingdom.
They urge the Federal government to swiftly and promptly respond to their demands in the shortest possible time.
Others who co-signed the Press Statement includes
Chief Igere Williams
Bolouwei of Ogulagha Kingdom
Chief Emmanuel Potoki (JP)
Koretiemowei of Ogulagha Kingdom
Chief (Hon) MacDonald F. Anoruse
Ebetarewei of Ogulagha Kingdom
Chief Pitylove Abanre
The Igo of Ogulagha Kingdom
Chief Emaye M. Benidiwei
Amatukpa of Ogulagha Kingdom
Amb. Francis O. Boumiebi (JP)
Ogulagha Kingdom
Mr. Johnbull Ogobiri
Chairman, representing Ogulagha/Youbebe Zone
Mr. Churchill Dose
Chairman, representing Sokebolou/Yokiri Zone
Mr. Johnson F. Gbenewei
Chairman, representing OBOTOBO 1 & 2 Zone
Hon. Justice T. Akuna
President, Ogulagha Kingdom Youth Council
Mrs. Patience Temewei
Chairlady, Ogulagha Kingdom Women
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