Pipeline vandalisation: Group begs N’Deltans

Disturbed by incessant vandalization of oil facilities by oil thieves, the Isoko Environmental Watch on Sunday charged Niger Delta governors to assist the Federal Government to provide adequate security for the facilities.
The group, which acknowledged that the states were direct beneficiaries of the proceeds from the resource, especially the facilities of the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company Limited, maintained that the task of protecting the facilities should not be left in the hands of the Federal Government alone.
The Executive Director of the group, Okezi Odugala, while reacting to criminal activities in the region, appealed to all stakeholders in the oil sector to cooperate and give their support to the Managing Director of NPDC, Engr. Iyowuna Brigg, and his team towards the overall development of the region.
While he lauded Brigg, Odugala hailed him for promoting the spirit behind the Local Content Development, with robust community relations and environmental sustainability in NNPC’s areas of operation.
He said: “Let me use this opportunity to call on Isoko people most especially and other Niger Deltans to partner with NPDC in promoting peace and communal liveability and to assist the company in protecting oil pipelines and installations from vandalization because proceeds from oil and gas exploration are being used for the human and infrastructural development of our host communities.
“The era of violent agitation with oil companies is alien as such I advice all stakeholders to embrace dialogue and constructive engagement in resolving crisis whenever they arise.”
While extolling the managerial qualities of Brigg and his management team, who within a short time, have deployed their wealth of experience to manage the divergent views of oil bearing communities, having taken over ownership of the Shell Petroleum Development Company facilities.
Odugala applauded the company for breaking new frontiers in oil and gas exploration.
The group urged the company to sustain its present positive environmental practices by continuing to abide by international best practice in environment impact assessment.
The Isoko Environmental Watch, a community-based organization, is currently working for environmental protection and sustainable development of Isokoland and global environment.