The Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, FCA, on Wednesday, resolved the dispute between Emu-Ebendo and Obodo Ugwa-Ogume Communities in Ndokwa West Local Government Area of the state.
At a meeting held in Asaba between the communities and Energia Limited, the Deputy Governor said, “Government is aware that there is a Supreme Court Judgement concerning land dispute between Emu-Ebendo and Obodo Ugwa Ogume communities and that judgement affirmed that Ebendo is the landlord and Obodo Ugwa is an imparted community.
“I am presiding at this meeting because it affects me as an Ndokwa man, so, we should tow the line of peace for us to enjoy the benefits of being host to oil company.
“There is a Supreme Court Judgement and if a Supreme Court says this is it, that is it; I also know that it is difficult for the Supreme Court to reverse itself.
“Anybody who is acting or seems to be acting contrary to the judgement is seen to have violated the Judgement and there are consequences.
“We must stand on the truth and the truth according to the Supreme Court, Ebendo is the landlord and Obodo Ugwa is an impacted community.
“Let us abide by the formula that Energia is using in the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding.
“Energia, in accordance with the Law, let the formula that you have been using continue.
“If you want to revive the matter and the Supreme Court reverses itself, we will abide by it.
“Having peace is very important, without peace, we cannot get development, we cannot grow, so, let us embrace peace, let us abide by our agreement today that Energia will work without disturbance and that Ebendo and Obodo Ugwa will continue to live in peace, so, that government and the world will continue to appreciate us as peaceful people.”
Mr Oladimeji Bashorun, acting Managing, Energia Limited, stated that the sharing formula used in catering for the host communities will not be altered
Chief Oju King Nejichi who led Obodo Ugwa community and Chief Sunday Enewuzo who led Emu-Ebendo to the meeting thanked the Delta State Government for the intervention.
The assured the Deputy Governor that they will be peaceful and abide by the resolutions reached.
