* Firm alleges blackmail by competitors
Some host communities in Oil Mining Lease (OML 11), cutting across Rivers and Abia states, have accused a contractor providing surveillance services for the crude oil pipeline of abetting illegal oil bunkering and crude oil theft.
The communities, which include, Isietitioha, Umuorie town, Isimiri autonomous community, Owaza clan in Asa, Ukwa West Local Council of Abia State and Umuedeokwara community, Odagwe in Etche Local Council of Rivers State called on the Federal Government and the Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited to immediately replace the contractor, Martinsevid Nigeria Limited, over alleged gross incompetence.
Traditional ruler of Isietitioha Owaza in Ukwa West Local Council of Abia State, Eze Christian Ikemefula, who spoke on behalf of the Owaza people, lamented the proliferation of illegal oil bunkering in his area, saying the development indicated gross incompetence on the part of the surveillance company.
The monarch stressed that due to the increase in oil bunkering in his domain, the environment had been heavily polluted, adding that a majority of his subjects are now falling sick due to the hazardous environment. He said: “We used to have Fricklin first. They were the people that were guarding the pipeline before, and we didn’t have any problems until one Martinsevid came.
Immediately they came, they multiplied bunkering in all our communities and neighbouring Etche.
“We can no longer stay in our houses again because of the much bunkering. Smoke and soot covers everywhere. Even our roofs are getting destroyed because of the soot falling on top. Even the water we take is polluted. Everyone is now sick, and this is because they gave the pipeline to bunkerers to guard.
“Martinsevid is not capable of working here. Since they came, everyday there is breaking of pipelines everywhere. So, they are not capable of doing the job.”
Responding to the accusations, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Martinsevid Nigeria Limited, Martins Noah, said those blackmailing his company were being bankrolled by competitors to spread falsehood.
Noah urged members of the public to disregard the accusations, stating that they were borne out of greed and envy. He said: “The people doing this are paid by the former contractors and other people who are looking for the same job. They are the people sponsoring all these things.
“There is nothing like that. You can also verify from the community. They are purely false. This is borne out of greed and envy. Please, disregard whatever they say.
“I am not the only person that sought the job. There were four, including the former contractor.”
