-BY MICHAEL EKOKORUWE:
Isoko women in their numbers from Isoko communities clusters of OML 30 community Development Board (CDB), has stage a peaceful protest against Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited at Oleh / Olomoro flow station, Uzere flow station, Igbide flow station and Owhe flow station for Isoko OML 30 CDB and GMoU, Isoko South and North local government area of Delta state.
The women displaying placards with various inscriptions as “Give us our 65% share”, Isoko nation can manage it under our (CDB), “It’s the turn of Isoko people CDB, give Isoko people their own GMoU now”, matched to the flow station gates to register their protest and were resisted by the Nigeria army from 222 battalion, Agbaro-otor unit command at Oleh / Olomoro flow station.
Inspector Adesuloye Samson while addressing the women, urged the women to be calm and present their grievances peacefully. He noted that the management of Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited will speak to them shortly. Speaking on behalf of the women at Oleh / Olomoro flow station, Mrs Ibiedhe Bernice Chief Mrs. Igbevia Erube said, Isoko want their own OML 30 Community Development Board (CDB) and GMoU.
She noted that the struggle for Isoko board began since two years ago, even as letters were sent to the management of Heritage Energy Operational Services limited and the Delta state governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa over the request.
Mrs Ibiedhe said, the state governor promised to look into the request after the election and have not done anything up till now. She noted that Isoko can no longer stay with Urhobo people again because of marginalization.
According to Mrs Ibiedhe, Isoko need light, water, employment for its graduates, welfare of the women and contract slots for the men. She stressed that Isoko nation have 65% while Urhobo, Ijaw and Itsekiri have 35% of the total crude output of OML 30. At Uzere flow station, Mr. Akote Avurake and Mr. Uze Owhede speaking on behalf of the women, stated that Isoko need their separate board and cannot work with Urhobo again. They noted that last week, Urhobo protest to the state government and the Attorney General said the CDB fund should be released to Urhobo people which according to them is against Isoko people 65% equity crude output.
They request the state governor to give 65% to Isoko and 35% of crude fund to Urhobo for equity, fairness and justice, saying Isoko people say no, and will resort to shutting down of operation in all the flow stations in Isoko South and North if their request is not granted.
The protesters at Igbide and Owhe flow station said, Isoko people can manage the board because the oil belong to them, noting that the progress of Isoko land depends on allowing Isoko people to control their own CDB . They noted that Isoko is a peace loving nation and demand total control of their own GMoU, stressing that Isoko is no more comfortable with Urhobo common CDB and GMoU.
Responding on behalf of Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited, Mr Olamiyi, a member of the oil firm management who address the women in front of the company’s office said, management have been informed of the protest. He urged the women to be calm as management will soon respond to their demand.
Also, Mr Monday Oletu, cluster coordinator and community liaison officer of Owhe flow station commended the protesters for their peaceful disposition, noting that the GMoU and request for total control of Isoko CDB has been sent to the management . He added that Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited administration manager has noted the request and will soon respond.
