By Samuel Ogude
The Olu of Warri, HRM Ogiame Atuwatse lII has told the multinational companies operating in Niger Delta not to take the peaceful disposition of the people for weakness especially Itsekiri nation whose communities form part of oil bearing communities in Niger Delta that are being exploited and explored for years without adequate compensation, for granted.
Olu of Warri made this known when speaking at Jakpa, one of Itsekiri communities in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State during his communities visit on Saturday.
The Royal Father said, the palace had earlier given time for the oil companies especially Chevron to fulfill their corporate social responsibilities but the companies have refused to do the needful over the years as that has made the people to suffer in the midst of their abundant God’s given wealth. According to him, the people love peace but can be violent since they have been frustrated in such a long time.
His words:” But please, do not take our peaceful nature and mistake it for weakness. Let us be honest- peaceful people can become desperate people, especially when 6 decades of evidence tells them that not only are they not the priority…” According to him, the palace would no longer fold its arms and watch the people suffer in the midst of abundance but ensure that the oil companies fulfill their social corporate responsibilities, not only to Itsekiri oil bearing communities but to Niger Deltans by providing electricity, portable water, health care, education, accessibility, environment protection and above all employment for the people.
According to the Royal Father who was calm but firm in address, said, the action of the multinational companies is aided by the some people among the Itsekiri nation who claim to be leaders in the land and trade off the people for their selfish gains due to hunger.
His words: “These so- called leaders worship only one god. And that god is none other than their stomach, and because they worship this false god, the land suffers. “Because these people wear greed as the mask of leadership, the common people are exposed and exploited. These so called leaders are the ones who have been playing the role of middlemen, and benefiting, by instigating us against oil companies, and government”.
The Olu of Warri therefore warned Itsekiri people who instigate them against oil companies to desist or else they would never know peace. His words: “To every Itsekiri collaborator who continues to place selfish interest above the future of our children, our communities, and our land…If you refuse to change, If you insist on selling the people for personal gain—You will reap the consequences of your actions. You will become a plague wherever you go…”
The Royal Father used the medium to express gratitude to the Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for helping Itsekiri nation especially in the ongoing construction of Trans- Warri Ode Itsekiri Road and urged him to do more for people just as he thanked President Bola Tinubu for having listening ears.
His words: “We know that Government has taken an oath to protect and care for its people, and we appreciate the efforts of our amiable Governor, HE, Elder Sheriff Oborevwori (and I want to appreciate you 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).
“We also thank the President of this Nation, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for always giving us a listening ear, and considerate attention.” The highlight of the visit was the homage paying by the members of the various communities in the area to the monarch amidst jubilation.