WIKE THREATENS TO REVOKE AGIP C OF O IN RIVERS, ACCUSES FIRM OF WORKING AGAINST RIVERS ‘INTEREST

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has a harsh word for the

Italian oil giants, Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC), threatening to send
the firm packing from the state over alleged reneging in its Corporate
Social Responsibility.

The firm is among the worse hits by the militants as most of its pipelines
have been destroyed especially in Bayelsa State.

The visibly angry Wike, a lawyer, accused the oil firm of being behind
some of the conflicts in its host communities and that he would not
hesitate to wield the big stick by revoking its certificate of occupancy
should it continue to go against the interest and security of the state.

Governor Wike dropped the hints when the Youths Consultative Council from
Ogba, Ndoni and Egbema Councl Areas visited him at work in Government
House.

He however expressed dismay over the nefarious activities of militants in
the Niger-Delta which have led to a dip in revenues and called on them to
embrace dialogue as the blowing up of oil facilities to save the country
from further devastation.

The governor also stated that the destruction of oil installations also
damage the environment which will negatively impact host communities,
adding that the nation would face a dire consequences should the oil
production continue to drop.

He therefore sued for peace through negotiation and dialogue, saying that
no meaningful development could take place in a society engulfed by
conflicts.

He said the governors should be involved in the process for the award of
pipelines surveillance contracts so that the jobs would not end up in the
hands of criminal elements.

His words: “If the oil production continues to drop, this country will be
in crisis. Blowing up oil facilities also has negative effect on our
environment. There is need for the dialogue to go on.

“I believe in one united Nigeria and it is in our interest to have peace
for development “. The Niger Delta State Governors should be involved in
the process for the award of pipeline contracts for the identification of
clean groups without links to cultists.’’

Governor Wike lauded the group for in the area which is the highest oil
producing local government in the country and gave the assurance that the
area would enjoy more democratic dividends from his administration.

He added that the people would also benefit from the entrepreneurial loan
scheme of his administration for small businesses.

Earlier, leader of the delegation, Mr Kingsley Ogumike extolled Governor
Wike for executing people oriented projects in the area and for appointing
indigenes of the area into key positions in his administration.

While appealing to the governor to invest in the security of the local
government area, pledging that the youths in the area would always stand
with him.