Heritage: OML 30 PG’s Forum demands payment of FTOS, Scholarship slots, Contracts to Community Contractors or ……

By Watchmann

THE Presidents General of Communities in OML 30 referred to as (OML 30 FLOW STATION PG’s Forum), has called on the Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Energy Operational Services ltd for immediate payment of Flowstations Annual FTOS, Increment of Scholarships Slots/Money and Award of Contract to Community Contractors.

In a letter signed by Presidents General; Evwreni PG, Chief Kenneth Ukpebitere, Oleh PG, Mr. Believe Unuafe, Afiesere PG, Mr. Luke Umukoro, Uzere PG, Mr. Raphael Odorewu, Chairman, CDC Eriemu, Mr. Philip Akpovukoko, Otor-Owhe PG, Engr. Wilfred Atunu, Kokori PG, Chief Lucky Udjemu and Eruemukohwarien PG, Mr. Godwin Anigboro, expressed dissatisfaction over the ill action of the Heritage towards the host communities.

The letter which was addressed to the Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Energy Services Ltd, NNPC MD E&P Ltd, Asset Manager OML 30 and copied the MD Shoreline & Natural Resources, Uherevie Area A Trust 3, Isoseja Area B Trust, SSS Ughelli, Nigeria Army, Oleh and Nigeria Army, Ughelli.

The letter reads in parts, “We the President Generals of Communities in OML 30 refer to the above subject and previous letters we have written in respect of above subject.

“We once again wish to express our deep concern about your non positive response to the issues raised. Your non positive response to the issues is gradually pushing the patience of the various communities and stakeholders to a tilting point.

“As responsible community leaders we are warning once again that if the communities patience is exhausted and there are crises in the communities, we should not be held responsible.”

The forum through its letter said consequent upon above they demand urgent attention and resolution of the following: “Immediate Payment of 2025 Flow Stations Annual FTOS:

“The delay in the payment of the 2025 Flow stations annual FTOs is generating a lot of anger in the communities. It is from this payment item that the families that own the lands where flow stations are situated and other stakeholders are pacified to maintain peace over the years.

“For the company to wake up one day and stop paying it is seriously unacceptable to the communities. The communities will resist this with the last drop of their blood and their patience is running out very fast.

“We hereby appeal to you to use your good office to resolve this issue positively without any further delay to ensure sustainability of the peaceful coexistence between the communities and the company.

(The objectives of HCDT. PIA Section 239(4). Stipulates Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act relating to funding of the Trust Fund, nothing shall preclude the host communities from their entitlements under any other law.)

Increment of Scholarship Slots/Allowance: “In view of the rising cost of living and academic expenses, the current scholarship allocation is grossly inadequate. We hereby demand an upward review and immediate increment of the scholarship allowance to reflect present – day economic realities and to ease the burden on our students and their families.”

Award of Contracts to Community Conractors: “It has come to our notice that a significant number of contracts that are supposed to be handled by contractors from OML 30 communities that should lead to local development are being awarded to other contractors.

“This is generating a lot of anger in the communities as this undermines local capacity development and economic empowerment. We hereby appeal that you use your good office to correct this situation so that such contracts be awarded to qualified community contactors in line with fairness and justice.

“We trust that your office will treat this letter with the urgency it deserves and take immediate steps to address all stated issues. Please note that should the company continue to ignore all these appeals and as a result there are crises between the communities and the company, the leadership of the communities should not be held responsible. A stitch in time they say saves Nine.”