Feb 20, 2009

Ogoni: Shell Denied Involvement In Ogoni Crisis


Active ImageThe multinational oil giant denies involvement in the crisis in K-Dere  community.
 
 
 
 
 
Below is an article published by: Vanguard

Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) has said it was not in any way involved in the reported crisis in K-Dere community in Ogoni part of Rivers state.

In an online statement yesterday [19 February 2009], spokesman of the multinational oil giant, Mr Precious Okolubo, said the firm also did not sponsor any crisis in the area.

The statement, which is apparently a reaction to allegation by MOSOP linking the oil giant with sponsorship of crisis in the area, reads in part: “SPDC Joint venture is not in any way involved or connected with the reported crisis in K-Dere or elsewhere in Ogoni land, and is not sponsoring any persons or group in any such conflict.

For the avoidance of doubt, the CAST (Community and Shell Together) initiative is aimed at working with communities, especially with regards to surveillance.

The initiative, which is currently running in over five states in the Niger Delta, involves the use of community contractors who in turn employ community surveillance guards to watch over SPDC Joint Venture oil and gas facilities and where necessary, alert the company and law enforcement agencies to threats of sabotage, crude thefts, spills and illegal refineries.

“CAST surveillance is assisting to protect wellheads, manifolds and pipelines in the Niger Delta.”

Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People had, in an online statement issued by its media officer, Mr Bariaria Kpalep connected the firm with the crisis, saying it was part of its strategy to create a divide and rule system in Ogoni.