-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –By Michael EKOKORUWE:
Isoko nation is constrained to unravel the hidden intentions of the management of Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited, manager of the Oil Mining Lease 30 Isoko cluster groups, as the company writes to send hosts communities staffs to compulsory leave and employ new staffs in the area.
The President General of Isoko Development Union (IDU), High Chief Iduh Amadhe disclosed that, Isoko nation is grossly marginalized and to further shortchange the host communities of OML 30, the apex body of Isoko ethnic nationality has been reliably informed of the preposterous retrenchment plans of the oil firm.
He maintained that, Isoko oil and gas host leadership gave the hint recently, describing the plan as evil and ludicrous, culpable of creating tension and civil unrest among indigenous staffs of the company. He noted that in spite of OML 30 clusters, high quantum of 65 % crude oil production, Isoko Communities cluster groups have been marginalized in employment.
Amadhe stated that, Isoko host communities of OML 30 have been sidelined as Heritage management records indicate that, Isoko host Communities’ 65% oil production work force is 148 staff, other host communities’ work force is 221 staff while none indigenes from other tribes work force is 304 staffs.
The president general noted that, the above records reveal that the company does not employ qualified sons and daughters of Isoko extraction and never value the peaceful disposition and cordial relationship enjoyed since they took over the management of OML 30 in the area.
Amadhe added that, it is on record that Isoko host communities of OML 30 are the most peaceful in the entire Niger Delta region, stressing that it is a fit that the people have struggled to maintain with Heritage oil film over the years.
He stated that, the oil company is currently sending indigenous staff on compulsory leave to be replaced by none indigenes which according to him is unacceptable to the people of OML 30 host communities.
Amadhe appealed to Senator Dr. Infeanyi Okowa, governor of Delta State to intervene and call Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited to order by laying – off none indigenes and reduce the employment ratio to 70% and 30% accordingly as stipulated by the G.M.O.U and respect the derivation policy.
Government should also direct the company to patronize indigenous contractors to execute contracts in OML 30 as stated in article 13 of the G.M.O.U and maintain the existing peace between the company and host communities, he said.
