OML 11 Acquisition: Rivers Monarch Backs Wike’s Action

Against the raging controversies and criticisms that greeted the recent Rivers State Government’s acquisition of part of OML 11 oil field, a traditional ruler in the state and the Eze Esara 111, Eze Jobson Anyabele Dike Utchay, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state has expressed support for the action of the state government in acquiring the oil field.
The monarch argued that it was for the good of the Ogonis and the entire people of the state.
It would be recalled that the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike had early this month, announced that the state government has acquired 45 per cent stake from Shell operatorship of Ebubu-Ejama part of the OML 11 in Eleme after the Supreme Court ruled against Shell in the long-drawn dispute between the communities and the oil company.
This governor’s announcement came under serious attack, especially from Ogoni axis which described such action as unacceptable.
Speaking at a press briefing in his palace in Port Harcourt, yesterday, Utchay said that Wike deserves commendations by all well-meaning Rivers people for acquiring the oil field, adding that Ogoni people have nothing to worry about as they stand to loose nothing.
He posited that the bold step taken by the governor should serve as morale booster to Rivers sons and daughters to be interested on acquiring oil fields, and expressed dismay that despite the state being oil producing state, the people were not stakeholders in the management of operations in the area.
According to him, the state government initiative in this direction would create employment opportunities for the teaming unemployed youths in the area.
“The governor deserves more honours now than before. Ogoni people have nothing to worry about because whatever that is their entitlement will still come to them.
“They should learn how to live with their neighbours. They should stop casting aspersions on the governor. Let enemies in disguise allow him to acquire more oil fields for the state”, he stated.
On the state of the nation, the octogenarian called for resource control and true federalism, adding that it was the only panacea to the many challenges facing the governance of the country.
The Nyerisi mbam Oro Esara called on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to convey a national referendum that would allow people to come together and express their views on the way forward for the nation.
He attributed the increasing wave of kidnapping, cultism and other anti-social vices across the country as a result of unemployment.
“There is no job for our youths who are graduating from universities. Kidnapping, Boko Haram, oil bunkering were not there in the past but have become an accepted norm in the society today”, he added.