The management of Sterling Oil Exploration And Energy Production Company (SEEPCO) operating at Ogbaru, on Tuesday at plenary appeared before the members of Anambra State House of Assembly.
Angel Network News (ANN) recalls that
Anambra Assembly, has summoned the oil and gas exploration companies operating in the state to appear before the House to provide a comprehensive briefing on their general business activities within the state following a matter of urgent public importance raised by the member representing Njikoka Constituency One and Chairman, House Committee on Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Hon. Chidiebele Ibemeka.
The companies summoned by the Assembly were, Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company, operating at Ogbaru Council Area, Sahara Energy Resources, at Ihiala Council Area, Orient Petroleum Resources at Anambra East, Cotton Wooden Gas Limited, Anyamelum as well as the Commissioner Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.
In his submission, Hon. Ibemeka, said that operations of the companies have coincided with distressing incidents and gross economic sabotage with regards to Petroleum Industry Act.
Ibemeka lamented the grave and intolerable situation unfolding in Ogwuaniocha and Ogwuikpele Communities within Ogbaru Council Area, where persistent unrest, killings, protest, and vandalization of property have disrupted the lives and livelihoods of residents, which needs decisive actions by the Assembly and government.
Hon. Ibemeka maintained that the severity of the issues necessitate an immediate and thorough inquiry into the role and responsibilities of the oil and gas exploration companies, where lack of accountability, including lack of responsibility in fulfilling their Corporate Social Responsibility from these companies is no longer accepted.
He added that residents of Ogwuaniocha and Oguikpele as well as other host communities deserve answers and immediate remedial actions to restore peace and security in their communities.
Lending their voices Hon. Ejike Okechukwu (Anaocha two), Hon. Nobel Igwe (Ogbaru one), Hon. Tony Muobike (Aguata two) and Hon. Anayo Okpalaeke (Aguata one) stated that activities of the companies especially at Oguikpele and Ogwuaniocha are worrisome, such that it has compounded woes of the communities and making lives difficult for them, considering the harsh economy.
The lawmakers bemoaned the homongeous damage of these companies in which their activities have tampered the security and lives of Ndi Anambra, and should be questioned.
The Speaker, Rt Hon. Udeze, expressed concern on the matter raised, disclosing that their operations at Oguikpele and Ogwuaniocha have caused serious problems and damage and making the communities desolate.
Rt. Hon. Udeze said the essence of the invitation was to know the activities of the company and how ndi Anambra are benefitting.
The Speaker demanded documents including evidence that the company has set up community development trust with reference to section 235 (3) of the PIA 2021.
” Evidence showing that three percent of annual budget has been paid from 2022 – 2024.
“The video and pictures of projects executed soo far as Community Social Responsibility (CSR) and other projects done in Oguikpele and Ogwuaniocha or any other community around the area.
“Documents showing needs accessment of host communities in accordance with section 251.
” Comprehensive documents showing environmental impact assessment. National gasry elimination and monetization plan with respect to section 108 of PIA.
” Plans on the commissioning and abandonment after work. Evidence of out put metering regarding the quentity of oil and gas produced daily in Anambra.
“The list of ndi Anambra showing the statutory staff and casual staff working in your company and documents and evidence of payments of tax to the state from 2018 – 2024.
According to Udeze, the following documents should be provided by the company before Tuesday 17th September 2024.
After submission, a letter will be sent to the CEO of Sterling Oil Exploration And Energy Production Company, Base Manager and General Manager to appear at plenary for final interactions. We are trying to madiate and not witch hunt anyone’ Udeze said.
Speaking in an interview General Manager Community relations and security, Sterling Oil Exploration And Energy Production Company, Mr. Austin Brown commended the lawmakers for making efforts in providing a conducive environment for businesses to strive in Anambra State.
Mr Brown who appeared alongside the Assistant General Manager on Community Relations and Security, Mr. Louis Jideofor, maintained that in synergy with Anambra State government, they will be able to achieve peace and maximize their production.
” It is a good beginning. We have been meeting with Governor Chukwuma Soludo and other officials of the state government to see a way we can forge ahead. We are in Anambra to do business and the more peaceful the environment, the better for everybody.
” Some of the claims by the host communities against our company are not true. We have done enough and we are still making efforts to meet up with other demands.
” We have done road constructions, scholarships and renovated the Primary Health Center’. Mr. Brown said.
