By Jimitota Onoyume

An appeal has gone to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta state to urgently halt the alleged marginalisation of three Itsekiri communities over issues related to the operation of Kuri Field.

In an open letter to the governor, Mr Kennedy Ugbameta, Chairman Akpata community, his counterpart in Makaraba community, Emmanuel Lagos Aginiejone and Tsaye Edeyibo Mene, Chairman Idighiri Community expressed worries over the situation, stressing that it could provoke severe crisis if unresolved on time.

“We are indigenous Itsekiri communities under the Overlord ship of the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III designated in the area of jurisdiction PPL 222(Kuri Field) who are part of the rightful Host communities to SHN Energy Limited Company.

“We are aware that the said company wrongfully negotiated and paid homages, acquisition of land, water and surface rights of the Kuri Field meant legally for us to some illegal squatters in our land. Kuri field is within the Makaraba area acquired in 1974 by Golf Nigeria Limited from our progenitors.

“It became pertinent to make a rebuttal when we stumbled upon the publication made in Vanguard newspaper on 14th of February on page 24 by some impostors claiming to be ‘Makaraba Field Host Communities’. We have to set the records straight that they have no legal claim to any inch of our ancestral land and should henceforth desist from laying claim to lands they have no legal claim to.”

The Itsekiri communities also known as Maraba field host communities of Warri kingdom said they were hopeful the intervention of the governor would bring about justice on the issue.

“Consequently, we urge your excellency to use your good offices to meditate urgently in this matter for us to be given our due recognition to avoid options that may not be in the interest of us all as we have remained peaceful with the company thus far as we believe we would get justice when you are properly acquainted with the glaring facts.”