The Chairman of Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, Hon. Smart Asekutu, has called on the residents of the area to suspend the planned protest against NPDC and ELCREST oil companies operating in the council.
Asetuku, however, bemoaned the attitude of the two oil companies especially in fulfilling their corporate social responsibility to their host communities within the Warri North Council area.
The Warri North Council boss spoke at an emergency meeting with heads of security agencies in the council in Koko, headquarters of the council on Tuesday.
He enjoined members of the host communities to seek alternative means of conflict resolution rather than embarking on a protest to disrupt oil and gas exploration activities within their communities.
Asetuku said in line with Gov Okowa’s stronger Delta Agenda, he operates an open door policy and appealed to all those seeking to take to protest to give room for further dialogue.
He also called on NPDC and ELCREST to listen to the yearnings and pains of the people to avert future planned protests that could disrupt the companies’ activities in the area.
The council chairman stressed it was the right of the people to protest peacefully and register their displeasure but expressed displeasure with the behaviour of NPDC and ELCREST, saying that “they haven’t done enough to listen for the people.:
He called on NPDC and ELCREST to be of good behaviour and carry out their CSR as registered by the Egbema youths.
Asetuku, however, commended security agencies particularly the Commanding Officer, 19 battalion, Major JO Ajongbo; DPO Koko Police Division, Mr Othuke, and the head of DSS in Warri, Mr Clement Ibitoye for their support in keeping the peace in the council.
