Alleged marginalization by oil firm unsettles Delta community residents

From: Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

Following the alleged neglect and marginalization by oil firm, Nigeria AGIP Oil Company, the people of Idheze Community in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State at the weekend protested what they described as inhuman treatment by the management of the Oil Company in the area.
The protesting residents also alleged that the oil firm for over nine years of its oil drilling operations, refused to sign an MoU with the community, an act they said had plunged them into pains with the community lacking in infrastructural development.
The protesters armed with placards” AGIP you are drilling oil without compensation, AGIP where is your corporate social responsibility in Idheze, AGIP No salary, No road in Idheze, compensate us for the nine years without Gmuo , AGIP provide employment and empowerment”.
Speaking to Journalists in the area, the President General of Idheze Community, Mr Goddy Egene expressed displeasure at the alleged neglect and hardship, adding that the people had also suffered inhuman treatment and suffering allegedly meted out on them while drilling oil from the area.
Egene stated that the community had written several letters to the company and also met with the company’s representatives with notifications several times, but did not respond to their demand, stressing that AGIP only responded when there was violence and crisis which was why the community staged the protest to register their demand.
In a swift reaction, The Manager, Public Relations of AGIP Mr Dennis Nasi dispelled all allegations against the Company as untrue, adding that the Idheze Community people protested for nothing rather than to tanish the image of the Oil Company as lots have been done for the people over the years.