Protest As Ovre-Eku Demands MOU With Newcross Petroleum PLC

By Vincent Douglas

Residents of Ovre-Eku Community in Ethiope East LGA of Delta State have embarked on a peaceful protest against installation of oil pipeline in the community by Newcross Petroleum PLC without MOU as alleged.

The protesters mainly youths and women, described the action of the oil company as being oppresive, chanting, “Newcross oo, we no go gree, pack your load and go, Newcross, we no go gree leave our land” repeatedly.

In chat with journalists, one of the youths who gave his name as Emuraiveyan Kenneth said that Newcross was yet to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the people of Ovre-Eku Community, therefore would not be allowed to continue with the exploration of oil in the land.

Mr. Sunday Osobotie, Ighorho Ukueku, Madam Esther Orishe and the Ovre-Eku women leader, Mrs. Tina Osodi in separate comments, posited that the oil company commenced exploration in the company without fulfilling the demand of the people in terms of MOU.

“We are the host community that is supposed to benefit from the oil exploration in our land but we are not recognized rather the whole benefits go to Orhogho, the neighboring community. We are totally sidelined not to benefit from what is happening in our community. They should leave us alone. Without MOU no work would be done in our land because we are not under Orhogho Dukedom.”

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The protesters also condemned the attitude of the committee setup by the Eku Community to liaise with Newcross and the People of Ovre-Eku Community over the oil exploration in the land, saying that the committee failed in all ramifications.

The demands of the people of Ovre-Eku to Newcross Petroleum PLC include- job for the youths, payments to the women and the elderly, motorable roads, electricity and pipe borne water.

The President – General of Ovre-Eku Community, Chief Joseph Ukueku (JP) in his reaction, described the protest as overdue in view of the attitude of the multi national to the plight of the people, adding that his people will continue the protest until their demands are met.

“My people will continue to protest though in a peaceful way because we are peace-loving people,” he stated.

All efforts to reach the management of Newcross Petroleum PLC for comment, proved abortive as at the time of filling this report.