By Anayo Okoli
UMUAHIA— FOLLOWING the protest by Owaza Oil community of Abia against some oil firms operating in their area over alleged neglect, a new entrant into the community, Total E & P Nigeria Ltd, yesterday met with Governor Okezie Ikpeazu over some issues, including unremitted revenue and oil community dispute. Ikpeazu, at the meeting stressed the need for a change.

Apart from the protest held by the youths and women in the communities, the meeting was prompted by incessant complaints by people of the oil rich communities of Owaza and Asa in Ukwa West council. The complaints made the Governor to visit the areas to see things first hand after which he invited the management of the oil companies to Government House, Umuahia.
Ikpeazu, who stressed the need for peaceful coexistence between the communities and the oil company thanked the traditional rulers and people of Ukwa West council, especially the youths for the mature way they conducted themselves instead of engaging in destruction of oil facilities in their communities in the face of obvious neglect by the oil firms.