BY TOSAN ATIE/WARRI
THE Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse lll has said he will not allow the oil companies in his kingdom to repeat the failures of the past by neglecting the host communities, noting that the Palace will no longer watch from a distance.
His majesty made this known in his speech in jakpa, Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State after touring some of the oil producing riverine communities.
He said, “After touring some of our riverine communities, our hearts are heavy. For over 60 years, the Itsekiri people have listened to figures, production numbers, revenue charts and academic explanations drawn from oil produced on our God-given and legally recognized land. ‘’But today, we say clearly, those numbers no longer impress us, because they do not reflect the actual reality of the lives of our people on ground.
‘’Yes, the records confirm what the nation already knows: this tribe called Itsekiri, in the western corner of the Niger Delta is one of the geese that lays the golden eggs for Nigeria. ‘’Yet, paradoxically, our people remain poor, frustrated, and neglected.”
The Warri monarch said the present situation of the oil producing communities did not happen by accident but as a result of previous indifferent and inconsistent regulatory attitudes, which includes divide-and-rule tactics by oil companies which he described as a culture that tolerates oppression, internal compromise and betrayal by a few among Itsekiri people, driven by greed, selfishness and wickedness. “Today, for the sake of my people, I refuse to remain silent. I refuse to hide behind diplomacy. I refuse to dress this truth in ceremonial language.
He cautioned his subjects against greed, and betrayal for stomach infrastructure saying both the International or Nigerian oil companies take advantage of them when the supposed leaders are willing to trade the collective destiny for their own personal gain.
We know that Government has taken an oath to protect and care for its people, and we appreciate the efforts of our amiable Governor, Rt.Hon. Sherrif Obowovweri, and I want to appreciate him for the road work currently going on in Dibi, and of course the trans Warri ode Itsekiri Road, and we encourage you to do more of such infrastructural development in these riverine communities” He also appreciated President Bola Tinubu, for always giving a listening ear and considerate attention.
