Bayelsa State governor, Douye Diri, has charged Oando Energy Resources Nigeria Limited, which recently acquired the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) to take up the liabilities and not just the assets of the oil firm it bought over.
Diri declared that this was the only way to end the frosty relationship between the former company and its host communities.
The governor stated this during a courtesy visit of the management team of Oando Energy to Government House, Yenagoa.
In a statement issued yesterday by his chief press secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, the governor called on the Oando management to right the wrongs of the divested company by addressing issues of employment, contractual benefits, security of jobs and environmental pollution.
He advised the company to avoid the ugly incident associated with another oil firm operating in the state that is in court with the government over oil spill dispute in Nembe local government area.
Diri noted that multinational companies that shy away from corporate social responsibilities often end up as bad business managers, which in the long run results in crisis between them and their host communities.
He also stated that indigenes that qualify to work in the oil firm should not only be considered for the lower ranks but should also be part of the management.
The governor said, “Let me congratulate you for being found worthy, having concluded the processes of acquiring all the assets of the Nigerian Agip Oil Company. But be reminded that you have not only acquired the assets; you have also acquired the liabilities.
“By the laws of this country, the rights of hosts, states and communities have been taken away because oil found underground belongs to the country. These are very inhuman laws.
“Part of the reason for the frosty relationship between Bayelsa State, the oil-producing communities and the company that you have acquired were around employment, contractual benefits, security jobs and others. We, however, believe this is an opportunity for you to right the wrongs.
“You are a new company today. So, in terms of employment and contractual obligations, let the people of Bayelsa be involved. That way, there would be mutual respect, peace and smooth operations in this state.”
He promised the management of the government’s collaboration, saying the state has a lot to gain from such peaceful oil activities.
The managing director of Oando Energy Resources Nigeria Limited, Dr Ainojie Irune, said the visit was to formally introduce the management team that would be doing business in the state and to seek a fruitful partnership.
