Community on Warpath with Agip over Failure to Implement MOU

The people of Agrisaba, an oil producing Community in Nembe Local Government of Bayelsa State have declared war with the Nigeria Agip Oil Company, the oil company operating in the community, accusing it of insensitivity to their plights and violation of the letters of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with them some years ago.

This is coming as the community’s council of chiefs suspended its vice chairman, Chief David Eleli for misrepresenting the council and misleading the entire community in the case of the election of a new traditional ruler for the community.
The community alleged that AGIP polluted its ecosystem and damaged its farmlands, fishing ponds and traps during exploration activities in Agrisaba without compensation.

According to them, in 2000, an MoU was signed with AGIP in which the company agreed to build a health centre with doctors quarters, electricity and pipe borne water to the villagers, but AGIP refused to adhered to the MOU.
The people alleged that AGIP violated the terms of 2000 agreement and should compensate the people.
The council in a statement signed by Regent, Chief Douglas Awudulu and Chief Joel Williams Onyi, secretary of the council among others accused Eleli and three other members of the 15 man council of precipitating crisis in the community.

Tracing the genesis of the crisis, the people said that set in during the final screening of candidates for the kingship of the community.