Imo State Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere has expressed anger with Nigerian Agip Oil Company over what it describes intentional neglect to its host communities in the State.
The deputy governor who spoke today during the 19th Farmers Day celebration, which held at Green River Project Plant Propagation Centre, in Ogba-Egbema, Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, reminded the Oil Multinational Company of its poor management of the pollution crises, occasioned by the explosion of two crude oil storage facilities of the firm, which he said polluted the water of about 13 communities in Egbema.
The deputy governor said that Imo State cannot vouch for Agip’s Corporate Socially Responsible Company in its dealings with her host communities, even as he expressed surprise that Agip has covered over 120 rural communities and empowered over 35, 000 farmers in its effort to increase food sufficiency and security, teaching latest farming techniques, offering extension services and micro credit with human capacity building.
He however queried: “where is the place of Imo State and her people in the whole statistics.”
He reminded the organization that it was the intervention of the State government that gave peace a chance, even as he frowned at the refusal of NAOC to agree with their host communities on terms for working relationship.
The deputy governor regretted that the company has been alleged to have always kept agreements reached, in the breach and called on the company to review its modes of operation and relationship with Imo people.
Prince Madumere however described the invitation as rapprochement believing that it will create a window for a more mutually rewarding future relationship between Imo State and Nigerian Agip Oil Company.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Sunny Echono had called on the States and Farmers to take the advantage of the opportunities at their disposal with a view to achieving food security in the country.
The Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Fulvio Rustico said that the Green River Initiative of NAOC as a means to re-enforcing a healthy relationship and cooperation between his country and Nigeria. [myad]
