Delta Govt Says Youth Activities Not Ban After Death Of Two Security Personnel Attached To Oil Firm

The Delta State Government has denied placing a ban on youth activities within the premises of oil companies operating in state.

Reports say the state government through the Ministry of Oil and Gas had banned activities such as protests, meetings or negotiations by youth associations within the premises of oil prospecting companies working in Delta state.

The purported ban came at the wake of the death of two security personnel attached to Midwestern Oil and Gas Company at Umusadege community in Ndokwa West Local Government Area over a disagreement between the host community and the oil company.

The Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Prince Emman Amgbaduba was reported to have handed down the purported ban on Tuesday, 13th January, 2020 in Asaba at the backdrop of the ugly incident.

“No youth must approach any oil company operating in Delta state over any form of issue. Should anyone attempt to takeover the premises of any company, security operatives should take necessary actions by treating such person(s) as criminals. Protests should be directed to the office of the Honourable Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Delta state, 35, Jesus Saves Road, Off summit Road, Asaba, Amgbaduba was quoted to have said.

He however directed security operatives to carryout a thorough investigation on the causes of the breakdown of law and order which led to the loss of lives and properties in Umusadege community over the weekend.

“That the ministry will also set up a committee to investigate the incident and take necessary actions. Government regrets the loss of lives and properties, he stated.

Continuing, he was quoted to have said, “The owner of the bush bar opposite the premises of Midwestern Oil and Gas has been advised to pull the building down with immediate effect. The chairman of Ndokwa West local Givernment Area has been asked to ensure compliance with the directive.

“The Government also asked security operatives to ensure that the company resumes operations immediately as their shutdown is costing the state some loss. Midwestern should go and carryout an assessment of their facility and resume operations immediately, he said.

Prince Amgbaduba re-emphasized the resolve of the state Government to provide a conducive environment for Oil companies within the state, reiterating, “No form of youth activity is expected to hold within the premises of Oil companies operating in our state, be it peaceful protest or meetings”.

But following a backlash, the Ministry of Oil and Gas in a rejoinder, says for the purpose of clarity, the following should be noted.

1. The ministry of oil and Gas is not banning youth activities in the state.

2. Youths reserve the right to express their displeasure. What will be unacceptable to the ministry will be to engage in any act of violence that could affect lives and properties negatively.

3. The ministry will not tolerate Oil companies maltreating their host communities in any form. This position was recently pronounced by the ministry of Oil and Gas when it decided to thoroughly monitor implementation of GMOUs reached with host communities by Oil companies. This has started and a mechanism has been set to ensure full compliance.

The following advise are hereby given;

1. That youth groups can meet with Oil companies for protests and negotiations anywhere they choose but not inside the premises of the company. Meetings can be at any venue so far it’s mutually agreed and peaceful.

2. Displeasures and observations should be addressed to the ministry of Oil and Gas, 35, Jesus saves road, off summit road, Asaba, Delta state as a means of informing Government of any ill treatment or dissatisfaction of previously agreed issues for peaceful resolutions.

3. The ministry of oil and gas is a committed arm of the Delta state Government, committed to the protection of the lives and properties of its citizens, hence it will never toy with the security of lives and properties of all.