PRESS RELEASE: Odidi Community Executive Calls on Heritage Energy Operational Services to Immediately Address Recurring Oil Spill and Warns Against Exploitation of Environmental Situation

PRESS RELEASE: Odidi Community Executive Calls on Heritage Energy Operational Services to Immediately Address Recurring Oil Spill and Warns Against Exploitation of Environmental Situation

The duly recognized Executive Council of Odidi Community calls on Heritage Energy Operational Services to urgently take all necessary steps to address the recurring oil spill affecting the community. Specifically, we urge the company to expedite its plans and immediately commence the clean-up exercise, contain the spill, provide adequate relief materials to affected residents, and ensure the replacement of the defective pipeline or facilities responsible for the recurring spill incidents in order to prevent further environmental damage.

The Executive Council acknowledges the engagement between Heritage Energy Operational Services and the Odidi Community Executive and urges the company to hasten the implementation of the necessary remedial measures. The protection of the environment, welfare of affected residents, and restoration of normalcy remain matters of urgent importance.

However, the Executive Council states that the unfortunate environmental incident has been exploited by the Truston Gbenekama-led parallel executive and other actors, including persons from Kusimi Community, who have sought to use the situation to advance claims of recognition and legitimacy outside the ongoing judicial process.

The attempt to leverage an environmental challenge to create pressure through threats, protests, or disruption of lawful oil operations within OML 42 is unacceptable and does not represent the genuine interest of the people of Odidi Community. Any person or group seeking to hijack the situation, obstruct legitimate remediation efforts, intimidate stakeholders, or interfere with lawful operations should be aware that such actions may attract appropriate legal consequences.

We state unequivocally that environmental concerns should not be used as a platform for pursuing unrelated interests or attempting to circumvent due process. Any dispute concerning community leadership must be resolved through lawful channels and not through disruption, coercion, or actions capable of undermining peace and public order.

We further wish to state that the oil barging operations being targeted for disruption are activities within OML 42 and have no connection with Heritage Energy Operational Services. Any attempt to interfere with these lawful operations has the potential to affect other stakeholders within OML 42, disrupt legitimate petroleum activities, and negatively impact national economic interests.

For the avoidance of doubt, OML 42 facilities are owned by Nigerian Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL) and Neconde Energy Limited. It is therefore difficult to reconcile attempts to disrupt operations within OML 42 over issues allegedly connected with Heritage Energy Operational Services' operations in OML 30.

We also reiterate that the dispute concerning the leadership of Odidi Community is presently before the High Court of Delta State, Warri Judicial Division, for determination. All parties are expected to respect the judicial process and maintain the status quo pending the decision of the Court.

The use of an environmental incident to pressure companies, government agencies, or stakeholders into recognizing any faction while the leadership matter remains pending before the Court is unacceptable. No protest, threat, or disruption of lawful operations can replace the authority of the Court or determine the legitimate leadership of Odidi Community.

Accordingly, we call on the Joint Task Force (JTF), Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and all relevant security agencies to remain vigilant and ensure the protection of lives, property, critical national assets, and the maintenance of peace.

The Odidi Community Executive remains committed to constructive engagement with Heritage Energy Operational Services, relevant regulators, and all stakeholders to ensure the prompt remediation of the affected environment, adequate relief for affected residents, and the prevention of future incidents.

The Executive Council reiterates its commitment to peace, environmental protection, the rule of law, and the uninterrupted lawful operation of critical national assets for the benefit of Odidi Community and Nigeria.

Signed

Mr. Prince Preye Okrikpa –Chairman

Mr. Clement Numah – Secretary

Mr. Mike Komkemele – Public Relations Officer

Chief William Mamamu

Chief Lawrence Okrikpa

Chief Michael Aribogha

Elder Pori Newyear

Elder Godwin Ganiga

Elder Sam Dobowei

Elder Mike Kulu

Chief Isaiah Ibilou

Engr. Moses Ibilou

Elder Johnson Febunafa

Mr. Joseph Hitler Oyateide – Youth President

Mrs. Nancy Ado – Women Leader

For and on behalf of Odidi Community