Delta state government intervenes to avert 90,000 barrels per day shut-in

The Delta State government has waded into a face-off between an oil firm and the over 112 oil-bearing Urhobo, Isoko, Ijaw and Itsekiri communities in the Oil Mining Lease 30 to avert an economic crisis that could result in shut-in of over 90,000 barrel per day (bpd) oil production.

Already, the communities had issued a seven-day notice to the oil firm and its subsidiaries to vacate the area.

But the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Peter Mrakpor, met on Monday with the aggrieved communities, led by the President General of Ewvreni Community and Chairman of President Generals Forum of OML 30, Chief Victor Ohare in Asaba to douse the tension.

A statement by the Public Relations Officer in the ministry, Mr. Ivovi Aruoriwo, said:  “Chief Ohare briefed the state government of their grievances with the oil exploration company, who they accused of breaching all the terms contained in the GMOU entered with it.”

It stated that the communities accused the company and its subsidiaries of using security agencies to intimidate, harass and suppress their genuine agitations.