PIA: Delta Community Suspends Strike With CNL, Issues SPDC 7day Notice To Negotiate

"Should SPDC fail to heed to its demands, Ugborodo Community will do what is right within the ambit of the law in a peaceful protests against the oil company." Ugborodo Community.

"CNL is doing the right thing. We have served SPDC seven day notice to comply with the extant law guiding the PIA."

The people of oil rich Ugborodo Community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, after rising from its general meeting, have declared the immediate suspension of further protests against Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL just as it issued a notice to Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC to commence negotiation with them with regards to the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA.

The general meeting held at the Community's town hall in Ode-Ugborodo, headquarters of Ugborodo Community.

A Community leader, Mr. Alex Eyengho who spoke on behalf of Ugborodo Community, said the community suspended the protest against CNL to give room further discussions.

Eyengho pointed out that Ugborodo Community has held several meetings with CNL after its recent protest against the IOC. 

Eyengho also said there have a tripartite meeting between Ugborodo Community, CNL and the National Regulatory Commission over the matter.

According to Eyengho, "Chevron is showing some commitment as it concerns the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA."

Eyengho also said that, the Ugborodo Community demanded a "Trust" different from others in Itsekiri land. 

He said indigenes of Ugborodo  community have resolved as an autonomous Community that its Trust should now be known as "Ekpere Host Communities Development Trust".

He stressed that the action is not a disrespect to anyone but in compliance to what the PIA stipulates.

Eyengho also pointed out that Ugborodo Community issued Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC which also operates in its domain a seven (7) day notice to come and negotiate with them directly the way CNL is currently is doing.

"The PIA is clear. It's host community based. Follow the law to the latter."

Eyengho also warned that should SPDC fail to heed to its demands, Ugborodo Community will do what is right within the ambit of the law in a peaceful protests against the oil company.

"CNL is doing the right thing. We have served SPDC seven day notice to comply with the extant law guiding the PIA."

While pointing out that Ugborodo Community had demanded in their recent protests that CNL provide the community with electricity, water, empowerment and job opportunities for its indigenes, Eyengho said, "CNL has made commitments to attend it."

The Personal Assistant to the Eghare-Aja of Ugborodo community, Joseph Uwawah corroborated the claims of Mr. Alex Eyengho. 

Present at the general meeting were, Chief Ayirimi Emami, Ologbitsere of Warri Kingdom, Eghare Daniel Uwawah, the Eghare-Aja of Ugborodo community, Prince Perry Atete and a cross section of Ugborodo indigenes.