Hundreds of women and youths from Umuokoroka village in Asa community, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, have stormed the streets to protest what they describe as exploitation and exclusion by Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited.
The demonstrators, including elders and children, carried placards reading, “Give us back our land,” “We are humans, give us our rights,” and “We must see the FTO agreement.”
NAIJABLOGDAILY.COM
They alleged that the company, in collaboration with some Town Union leaders, fraudulently signed a Freedom To Operate (FTO) and Job Order agreement without involving the rightful landowners.
Elder Chief Celestine Azuoma Orji, 80, said the oil firm deceived the community into signing what they thought was a lease for oil exploration. Still, it turned out to be a permanent transfer of land ownership.
- “The agreement was done in secret. Our kindred was excluded, and they have already started rigging operations on the land,” he said.
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He warned that excluding the Umuokoroka kindred could lead to unrest, accusing the oil company of colluding with corrupt leaders to shortchange the true landowners.
- Chief David Ogbuanu, represented by Joel Emezuo, called on Governor Hope Uzodimma to intervene and halt all ongoing oil activities until the affected kindred is fully included.
- “We are the principal landowners. The Town Union cannot speak on our behalf. Governor Uzodimma must wade in to ensure justice is done,” he said.
Attempts to reach Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited’s Community Relations Manager were unsuccessful, as phone calls and messages were not returned as of press time.
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