Communities in Imo State’s oil-producing areas have been urged to avoid confrontational tactics in their push for rights from both government and oil firms.
This appeal came from the Commissioner for Niger Delta Affairs, Henry Okafor, during an interaction with members of the Niger Delta Journalists Association who visited him in his Owerri office.
Okafor stressed that addressing the challenges of host communities requires an end to what he described as “double standard, avarice and self-serving” attitudes among some community leaders.
According to him, many of the crises in oil-rich zones are fueled by leaders who fail to meet the responsibilities entrusted to them.
He emphasized the importance of building a cooperative relationship between host communities and oil companies, pointing out that agreements must be respected for development to spread evenly. He added that oil firms remain willing to respond to community needs under the framework of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), provided they have unhindered access to operate.
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The Commissioner charged community leaders to abandon “enmity, corruption and greed,” which he identified as stumbling blocks to peace and progress. Instead of resorting to violence, he advised residents to bring their complaints and grievances to the Ministry, assuring them that the government is mandated to ensure oil companies deliver on their commitments.
Okafor, himself from an oil-producing community and a former Managing Director of ISOPADEC, highlighted the state government’s interest in the wellbeing of hydrocarbon communities. He noted that Governor Hope Uzodinma has played a crucial role in attracting more oil companies to the state, thereby increasing production and revenue.
“The Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs has been pushing oil companies to fulfill their promises to the people, the PIA should be maintained. The people should be peaceful while pressing home their demands. Leaders of the host communities should stop playing double standard, but work in one accord to see the oil and gas companies do what is right. Governor Hope Uzodinma, who knows what oil politics entails, has brought in more oil companies into the State and this measure has significantly boosted oil production and revenue in the State,” he said.
Okafor also dismissed allegations of interference made against him, explaining that his intervention in a dispute between one of the host communities and an oil company was aimed at fostering reconciliation.