By Kelvin Ohoror
Due to alleged
marginalization and breach of agreement on rotation of the principal executive
positions in the Community Development Board, CDB, set up to operate the new
Global Memorandum of Understanding, GMoU, for the Oil Mining Lease OML 30, Isoko
clusters of Oil Producing Communities in the oil bloc have pulled out of the
CDB.
Speaking at a press
briefing at Oleh, Isoko South Local Government Area on why the Isoko cluster
members staged a walkout at the Multipurpose Hall Edjeba, Warri, Chairman of
Isoko Clusters Presidents General’ Forum, Dr. Patrick Oboghor, described as
provocative, the alleged grand design to stage manage the election of a leading
member of the dissolved CDB, as chairman of the new board.
He noted that the
Isoko clusters had insisted on having a separate CDB based on their production
quantum in OML 30 which he said stood at 65% and the lack of equity in the
constitution and operation of the last board.
He explained that the
Isoko clusters had reluctantly agreed to remain in the board after the
intervention of the state Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, who he said directed
that Isoko should produce the next chairman of the board. He disclosed that the
Governor further directed that there should be a swap of all positions hitherto
held by both Urhobo and Isoko members in the previous Board.
Also speaking, the
Secretary of the Forum, Barr. John Urete lamented the ugly twist which he said
negates the spirit of brotherliness, equity, fairness and integrity.
He therefore
called on Heritage Energy Operational Services and the Delta State
government to quickly put machineries in place to constitute a separate board
for the Isoko people, reiterating that they no longer have confidence in the
process which he said, bears the toga of a master servant relationship.
On his part, Sir
Mathias Eto, from Oleh cluster stated that the board is not political but a
sensitive one as it is meant to handle various issues relating to management of
funds, projects and production quota amongst others.
He said the GMOU is
quite specific on the rotation of the various positions amongst major
stakeholders.
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