RE: “THE GREAT OBI MBIERI OIL HEIST” – SETTING THE RECORDS STRAIGHT

It is both absurd and misleading for someone who clearly lacks understanding of how oil companies operate to wake up and fabricate stories aimed at deceiving uninformed members of the public.

It is equally disappointing that the author engaged the services of one Ugo Kelechi, who claims to be a journalism practitioner in Imo State. One wonders if investigative journalism is no longer practiced in the state, for him to append his name to such a misleading write-up.

How Oil Operations Actually Work

Even a layman in Imo State knows that it is extremely difficult to “divert oil gains” to communities. The process is stringent and highly regulated, with government oversight at every stage.

While I am not speaking for Seplat Energy, it is public knowledge that Seplat is only at the preliminary stage of oil exploration in Mbieri. Current activities are limited to engaging landowners, clearing, and fencing the site. Even at this stage, there is a defined leadership structure that the company engages with in the community.

The Real Motive Behind the Allegations

A critical look at the names mentioned in the original write-up reveals a pattern. These are individuals who have repeatedly contested for positions in Obi Mbieri and lost. Examples include:

1. The deposed Prime Minister, Mr. Ndikom, who has refused to vacate office.

2. Mr. Oparaugo, who refused to participate in the community election supervised by government, but went ahead to install himself as President General. He has since been warned by the supervising authorities and is reportedly in hiding.

One begins to wonder what the interest of this group is in a God-given community like Obi Mbieri. It appears they are taking advantage of the medical vacation of our traditional ruler to position themselves for leadership and possibly gain access to community resources. God forbid.

Facts the Public Should Know

1. Location: The “Aku Oil Field” in Mbieri is located within both Obi Mbieri and Ezi Mbieri Autonomous Communities. This basic fact appears to have escaped the author and his journalist, who mentioned only Obi Mbieri — a clear indication of how poorly researched the write-up is.

2. Landowners: The host villages are Umuagwu in Obi Mbieri Autonomous Community and Achi in Ezi Autonomous Community. These villages have leadership structures that are fused into, and controlled by, their respective Autonomous Communities.

3. Who Companies Engage: No oil company deals directly with villages, the Eze, or a self-styled Prime Minister. Oil companies deal with the officially recognized Town Union leadership of the Autonomous Communities where they operate.

   For clarity: The Eze of Ezi Autonomous Community, Eze Henry Madumere, is late. The Eze of Obi Mbieri, Eze Osuji, is currently receiving treatment abroad. Yet Seplat’s preliminary activities are ongoing because they engage the Town Unions, not the palaces.

   While it is customary and respectful for a company to pay a courtesy visit to the palace of the traditional ruler, all official negotiations and agreements are with the recognized Autonomous Town Union government.

4. No Diversion Has Occurred:

There are currently no dividends to divert because exploration has not started. Oil companies do not hand cash to communities or individuals to share — if that is what these people are angling for. What they do, upon commencement of operations, is fund community projects chosen by the host communities through their Town Unions. In this case, the Town Unions of Ezi and Obi Mbieri are yet to submit any project proposals.

5. Employment: Another standard practice is the engagement of community youths for menial and skilled jobs. Seplat is currently in discussions with the two Town Unions on this, and a majority of these workers will come from the host villages of Achi and Umuagwu.

6. Precedent: Seplat and other companies have been operating in Izombe and Agwa. The public can verify how they operate there. The Aku Oil Field is not the first, and will not be the last.

On the Mention of Eze CAC Eronini

No community dictates to an oil company who to engage or how to conduct its business. It is public knowledge that no oil has been found in Awo. There are other communities like Ihitte Mbieri and Ubomiri currently in discussions with Seplat. That is how the process works. If Seplat has interest in your community, they will reach out through the proper channels.

Conclusion

I ask again: what wealth is being siphoned or diverted when exploration has not even begun?

It is sad and unfortunate that some individuals have chosen to exploit the absence of our Eze to spread unfounded rumors and cause disaffection in the community.

Let us desist from this confusion and unnecessary distractions. Instead, let us support Seplat Energy to settle in and commence exploration so that our communities can begin to benefit.

*Chinemeze Ibewuihe

Stakeholder | Writes from Umuagwu, Obi Mbieri Autonomous Community