COMMUNIQUÉ FROM THE LEADERSHIP OF THE HOST COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT WATCH REGARDING THE TOWN HALL MEETING HELD BY THE REPRESENTATIVES OF ONNA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA IN THE NNPC/MPN JV EMOIMEE- HOST COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TRUST
The Host Community Development Watch, while present at the purported inaugural town hall meeting organized by the representatives of ONNA Local Government Area on the Board of Trustees of the NNPC/MPN JV EMOIMEE Host Community Development Trust (HCDT), at the palace of the Paramount Ruler of ONNA Local Government on Saturday, 2nd March, 2024, notes the following observations and conclusions:
1.Absence of Proper Community Engagement:
It is evident from the proceedings that there was a deviation from the prescribed protocols outlined in paragraph 4 /12.2 (f) of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) template. The absence of a genuine community meeting, as mandated for such crucial decisions, was glaring. Instead, a group identified as the ONNA Community Development Council (OCDC) convened the meeting, a body unrecognized by the Petroleum Industry Act nor her role mentioned in the NUPRC standard implementation template.
2. Lack of Mandate and Transparency:
The OCDC, requiring a membership fee of One Hundred Thousand Naira for participation, lacks the democratic mandate to speak on behalf of the ONNA community. Furthermore, the insistence of the Paramount Ruler that only OCDC members will be nominated for community assignments as it regards project implementation is not captured in the Act nor the developed template for operations by NUPRC.
3. Disregard for Community Input:
The failure to conduct a comprehensive community needs assessment, as stipulated by NUPRC guidelines, is concerning. The nomination of projects to be executed by the traditional institution and their cronies led by the Paramount Ruler without community consultation undermines the Trust’s integrity and transparency and calls for a review of many mundane projects.
4. Exclusion of Community Segments:
The selective engagement with traditional institutions, excluding vital community segments like youth, women, and the elderly, violates the inclusive spirit of community development envisaged by the Trust’s provisions in paragraph 12.2 (j) of NUPRC template.
5. Lack of Budget Transparency:
The refusal to disclose the budget estimate for the current project year, despite repeated requests, raises doubts about the transparency and integrity of the Committee’s ( HCDT) operations. This act further negates the provisions of Paragraph 12.2 (f) of NUPRC which anchors on transparency/ accountability.
6. Mismanagement of Bursary Scheme
The inclusion of over 70% fictitious
beneficiaries and political stakeholders in the bloated bursary scheme that has over 1000 names, intended for genuine students in need, reflects a misuse of community funds and a disregard for the Trust’s objectives as set out in section 239, sub section 3(a) to (i) of the PIA.
7. Conflicts of Interest:
The inclusion of the Paramount Ruler’s private business venture ( Integrated Farm ) at Awa Ndon which seeks an upgrade to a full school of Agriculture through the use of community funds raises concerns about conflicts of interest and accountability.
The Computer center at Ikot Udo Esang and building of village head palace at Ikot Iko Ibon also calls for concern having identified as private projects, these must be expunged completely from the Plan.
8. Lack of Accountability:
The opacity surrounding the operations of the HCDT in ONNA Local Government Area and the dismissal of legitimate questions from community members indicate a lack of accountability and transparency.
Conclusion and Call to Action:
In light of these discrepancies, we express our dissatisfaction with the conduct of the HCDT members representing ONNA Local Government Area.
Additionally, we demand:
1.That the Budget estimate for 2023/2024 project year for ONNA Local Govt and ONNA bursary list compiled for payment should be made public to prove transparency and ascertain eligibility.
2. That all private businesses of the Paramount Ruler and Village Heads captured in the Development Plan be cancelled on grounds that Community money isn’t for private use.
3. That henceforth, ONNA HCDT Town hall meetings be held at the local government Council hall to avoid incessant embarrassment of ONNA sons and Daughters by security personnel attached to the Paramount Ruler as practiced by other sister communities in the EMOIMEE Trust.
4.That the BOT members and others in the Trust should concentrate in promoting the course of ONNA rather than show weakness in their utterances as displayed during the purported town hall meeting.
5. The management of NUPRC Commission should as a matter of urgent public importance visit ONNA Community to ascertain our claims and position in a town hall meeting to be held in the local government headquarters.
6.That, the management of NUPRC should mandate ONNA indigenes in the EMOIMEE Trust to adhered strictly to the provisions of the PIA / approved template for implementation by your Commission.
Failure to comply with our request No. 1 as stated above within 48hrs, will necessitate legal action to address these grievances.
Edet Edet
National Coordinator
Ifiok Itiaba
National Secretary
4/3/2024
