The lingering crisis between Okomu Oil Palm Company and a neighbouring community (Okomu Ijaw Community) which led to the death of some persons, appeared to have ended as the company and the community engaged in a peace meeting under the watchful eyes of men of Joint Task Force (JTF).
Speaking to newsmen on the outcome of the meeting, the General Manager of Okomu Oil Palm Company, Dr. Graham Hefer commended the significant mediating role played by JTF and the role of the executives of the community at ensuring a lasting peace and harmony between the company and the community.
“We are happy to say here today that with this peace meeting, there is a new beginning of good relationship. We hope we will be able to work together in harmony and expect a healthy relationship that will create room for peaceful atmosphere for the company to operate.”
Dr. Hefer who led the management team of the company to the meeting said the meeting X-rayed the rules of engagement to address future grievances and ensure it does not lead to crisis that will disrupt peace.
“The terms of disagreement is widely spread and generalized. Today, we have looked at the rules of engagement and how we would work together in future to ensure we are all happy and communicating. Communication is the key, that is the reason why we need to put in place structure to handle grievances to ensure a lasting peace for all concerned.”
Speaking on the company’s social responsibility Dr. Hefer said annually, the company assists communities in a small way. “We are not a crude oil company but a farm, we have limitations, so we try to help as many communities as possible. In the past we have helped this community specifically with around N40 million worth of developmental projects in terms of roads, bore holes, town hall and the likes. We would do our best to accommodate them within our limited budget just as we do with other community.
The General Manager of Okomu Oil Company said the various sad incidences that led to the death of some persons is regrettable and painful, but hope such will not happen again. “I hope the long arm of the law will catch up with the perpetrator of those that carried out the evil act, he concluded.
Responding, the spokesman for the community Mr. Ajele Sunday regretted the incident that led to the death of some persons and pledge the readiness of the community to work with the company to ensure a lasting peace but urge the company to be transparent in all her dealings and ensure the community is carried along.
“This meeting is a good start for harmonious relationship that will ensure a lasting peace between the company and the community. We have forgotten the past and now focusing on the future. We are ready to support the company especially in the area of crop vandalism and destructions, its only when the company make profit that they will be able to discharge her social responsibility. In all we want transparency and commitment from them, and negotiate with the CDA of the community which is the bonafide group to represent the interest of the communith,” he concluded.