The Delta State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Dr. Peter Adogbejire Mrakpor, SAN, has expressed that the lack of commitment by the International Oil Corporation (IOCs), to implement the memorandum of understanding (MOU)
has been the major cause of setback within the host communities in the state.
The Honorable Attorney General made these statements when the executives and members of the Indigenous Correspondents Chapel (ICC) of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Delta State Council visited him at his Chamber in Asaba the state capital on Friday.
According to the law officer, he faulted the actions of the IOCs for not keeping up with the MOUs they signed with the host communities stating that their actions have bred tension in the communities and if not managed properly, it would cause a lot of hostilities, casualties, and inevitable shutting down of operations of the IOCs.
The Commissioner of Justice also explained that the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) if signed into law would uplift some components exceptionally that of the local content act which stakes full-fledged prosperity and sustainable development for host communities not only in Delta but also to other oil-bearing communities across the nation.
The Delta CJ further advised host communities to stand fast and united to shun divisive dispositions that will lead to discord while signing MOUs with the IOCs operating in their communities.
The Delta CJ furthermore expressed concern over the current insecurity situation that is looming in the country which he said is worrisome, stating that “security is everyone’s business. Let’s not be under the illusion that it’s the government’s business alone. So long as we live in a particular geographical location, we are duty-bound to be sensitive to happenings around our environment.”
Also while still speaking, the Honourable Commissioner of Justice and Senior Advocate further charged the media to be optimistic as partners in progress in their objectives by setting up strategic agenda for the betterment of the society.
In response, the Chairman of the Indigenous Correspondents Chapel of the NUJ, Delta State Council, Comrade Andrew Akpo Emephia explained that his chapel exco and members were on the visit to congratulate him on his elevation as Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), by the Body of Benches.
Also, the ICC Chairman further sought for the Justice Ministry to partner with the chapel towards making inputs for the benefit of the people at the grassroots.
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