Host Communities backs OMS Operations, cautions Presidency over re_organization of Security, Maintenance of Pipeline Contract in Delta

Host Communities backs OMS Operations, cautions Presidency over re_organization of Security, Maintenance of Pipeline Contract in Delta

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Host Communities backs OMS Operations, cautions Presidency over re_organization of Security, Maintenance of Pipeline Contract in Delta

Host Communities of Trans- Forcados Pipeline, OML-40 Export Pipeline and Escravos-Warri Refinery Pipeline have unequivocally passed a vote of confidence on the outstanding performance of Ocean Marine Solutions (OMS) Limited in Partnering with the host Communities in line with the Federal Government mandate to eradicate Pipeline vandalism, illegal bunkering and sabotage in the state, just as they cautioned the Presidency over rumoured re-organization of security and maintenance of the Trans-Forcados Pipeline, OML-40 Export Pipeline and Escravos-Warri Refinery Pipeline Contract in Delta State.

They made the declaration in a Press briefing held on Monday February 7, 2022 in Warri.

Parts of the Press statement which was read by Dr.Jeffrey Wilkie and signed by other host community Leaders read thus;

 

"We thank you specifically for your noble initiative by considering Ocean Marine Solutions for the Security and Maintenance Contracts of Trans Forcados Pipeline, OML-40 Export Pipeline and Escravos Warri Refinery Pipeline in Delta State, especially having cognisance of the fact that the essence of this courageous decision was to stop the menance of Pipeline vandalism, illegal bunkering and sabotage which had taken an unprecedented dimension with the attendant environmental pollution and loss of revenue to government"

"While your intervention has brought so much relief and comfort to the host communities of these critical national assets in Delta State, we heard it on good authority that there is a planned reorganisation to surreptitiously disengage Ocean Marine Solutions in order to serve some selfish interests"

 

"In view of the foregoing, we advice the Federal Government to discountenance such plans by those who profit from Niger Delta instability, as considering same will be counterproductive not only to the interest of the host communities but also the Federal Government that continues to rely on crude oil as a major source of revenue"

"The peaceful coexistence between OMS and the communities have boosted the local economy due to income from youth employment and the multiplier effect from same”

“The current state of near zero Pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering activities have saved the communities from further environmental pollution and the associated health hazards they pose to indigenes”

“The employment of three thousand youths who hitherto roamed the streets and creeks of Delta State has drastically decreased sea piracy and other forms of crime that were rampant before the engagement of Ocean Marine Solutions”

“The uninterrupted operations on the pipeline has resulted in increase oil production and attendant increase in government revenue thus, ranking Delta State the highest Oil Producing State which has further guaranteed provision of more social amenities to the host communities”

“To this end, we pass a vote of confidence on Ocean Marine Solutions Limited for being most community friendly in the discharge of its corporate social responsibility and also urge your Excellency to properly investigate the allegations and bring to book those unpatriotic elements who are desperate to undermine the peace and stability of Delta State in particular and the Niger Delta in general”.

Speaking to Newsmen shortly after the Press briefing, Ocean Marine Solutions Coordinator, Ekpan Community, Dr. Innocent Adjenughure,  said that since the commencement of the Pipeline Surveillance job by OMS, the rate of vandalism has drastically dropped, just as he appealed to the Federal Government to continue the Pipeline projects with OMS because the company has performed excellently well.

Chairman of Cluster 10, OML-30 on the Trans-Forcados Pipeline (TFP), representing the Urhobo Ethnic Nationality, Mr. Ibuje Joseph  averred that since the engagement of OMS on the TFP project, host communities have benefitted tremendously, saying that "I do not see anybody coming to secure what is in our place better than us". 

He called on the Federal Government to continue with Ocean Marine Solutions who has come to the grassroots for the first time to engage them even as he enjoined the Federal Government to increase the scope of OMS in order to avert future reoccurrence of the recent  Pipeline explosion on the Escravos sea.

Speaking in the same vein, Public Relations Officer of Ologbo community, Mr. Tsola Wilkie stated categorically that OMS  Limited is the most peaceful company that has operated the Pipeline project and has been able to drastically reduce all forms of vandalism in the area by engaging the host communities directly in terms of security, jobs, contract, etc.

Mr. Wilkie further advised the Federal Government not to take the surveillance Contract from OMS Company who have successfully build a friendly and working relationship with the communities, saying that "Any attempt from another company to come and take over their operations, I am afraid because I can not guarantee the security of lives and properties in the environment". 

On his part, Commissioner representing the Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality in DESOPADEC, NNPC and its Subsidiaries, Hon. Griftson Timeyin Omatsuli opined that the only solution to Niger Delta problems as well as increments in Oil production, is when there is a clear cut agreement with the host communities and other Stakeholders to work together to achieve development of which he pointed out to be the strategy of OMS Company for over five years.

“We have never seen such a wonderful establishment like Ocean Marine Solutions in the Niger Delta Region with a perfect Corporate Social Responsibility. OMS success story started from its grassroots mobilization and engagement of the people who are directly involved and that is why, we will continue to support them”, he added.

Hon. Omatsuli stated further that “Let the Federal Government continue to work with OMS Company because it will be difficult for them to achieve 20% of Oil exploration without these Pipelines been vandalized”.