Family Sets For Show Down With Sterling Global Over Non Compliance With Extant Laws

Odili Ogochukwu –

The family of Umuenese in Okpai-Oluchi, Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State is set to tackle Sterling Global Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) for non compliance with extant laws.

In a letter signed by the family head, Chief G.E Ikwuobodo, the family accused the company of gross negligence, alleging that it would shot down Sterling Global operations on December 28, 2022.

The family said SEEPCO has been operating on their lands and waters for fifteen years yet, declined to settle lingering issues with the host communities as directed by Delta State Government.

The letter reads in part, “Due to the failure of the management of Sterling Global Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) to heed to all peaceful measures suggested by concerned authorities and Delta State Ministry of Oil and Gas to quash the differences the company and the host communities, the people, gravely affected its unfavorable operations in collaboration with respective agencies will shut down Sterling Global operations on December 28, 2022, via peaceful blockage of the company’s strategic positions/entrances.

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“It is no news that SEEPCO has installed oil channels across Okpai Oluchi, Okpai-Umuaguru in Ndokwa East Local Government Area and beyond. These facilities have negative impacts on the people dwelling in such areas. Sterling Global operations have resulted to environmental hazards, water pollution, oil spillage, lost of sources of livelihood, death, to mention but just a few.

“It is worthy to note that Sterling Global has not executed any meaningful project in its host communities. Suffice to say that only borehole drilled in Okpai-Umuaguru community is not functioning.

“The host communities have suffered a great deal of health issues and environmental loses for more than a decade due to the company’s failure to comply with the laid principles and laws guiding oil explorations.

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“Despite our water having polluted, and other damage on our properties championed by oil spillage, Sterling Global has neither compensated us nor swing into action to right the wrongs. The company has ignored every effort to see reasons with the host communities.

“For instance, on the December 05, 2022, the Delta State Ministry of Oil and Gas urged the management of SEEPCO to resolve issues with Chief G.E Ikwuobodo who is a landlord and his house affected by oil spillage in Okpai-Oluchi in Ndokwa East Local Government Area.

“The Ministry of Oil and Gas has, earlier directed Chief Ikwuobodo to withdraw his legal action instituted against SEEPCO for the matter to be resolved peacefully over which he acted accordingly. Unfortunately, Sterling Global did not keep its part of the agreement after Chief Ikwuobodo had played his part.

“Chief Ikwuobodo, and other people suffering the same fate have waited in vain for the management of SEEPCO to do the needful to no favourable result. Our lands, waters and means of survival have been drained with no plan of action by Sterling Global to revamp our situation.

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“It is based on these circumstances and many others not mentioned that we have decided to take the bull by the horn, by shutting down the operations SEEPCO until our request is given utmost attention.

“Our people have been dying silently. We cannot continue to consume polluted water. We want justice. We must not keep quiet.

“Attached is the letter urging Sterling Global to resolve issues amicably with Chief Godwin Ikwuobodo,” it said.