By Clinton Awhawha
Ekpemu oil producing community in Jones Creeks Flowstation, Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South West Local Government Area, Delta State, protested against NECONDE Nigeria Limited and NNPC Exploration and Production Limited, JV for OML42, over alleged neglect and keeping the entire community in darkness for decades.
The lamented that both companies have not done anything for the community despite contributing crude oil to Jones Creeks Flowstation in OML42.
They expressed their grievance and dissatisfaction on Thursday in Warri, via a statement issued by Mr. Governor Godbless, Chairman of Ekpemu community.
It reads, “ We are also a host community producing crude oil to Jones Creeks being operated by NECONDE Nigeria Limited and NNPC Exploration and Production Limited, JV for OML42. And unfortunately, since the companies started operations they have not done anything for the community and this is why we are unhappy with the companies”
“ We have been living in darkness. We have made a series of demands including asking the companies to provide electricity for the community, but they have refused”
“ The community has been in total darkness for decades till this very day. All we need is light at this very point . Other things will follow suit when there is light”
Mr. Godbless further revealed that the companies had made many unfulfilled promises in the past, which is the reason for their protest against the oil companies.
“ We are demanding for a turbine to provide electricity for us and we will continue to protest until the companies yields to our request”
” The people of Ekpemu Community have also joined our brothers in Okerenkoko Community in the ongoing protest against NECONDE and NNPC E&P to provide electricity for our communities”
He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the NNPCL to prevail on NECONDE Nigeria Limited and NNPC Exploration and Production Limited, to grant their request to build turbine for electricity as they were tired of living in darkness.
