The Bayelsa State Government has resolved a dispute between Egweama, Nembe, and Elepa communities in Brass and Nembe local government areas over the ownership of Elepa 1 and 2 oil wells.

Both communities accepted a decision reached by the state government on Friday in Yenagoa to ensure peace and security in the area while awaiting the outcome of ongoing litigation over the dispute.

The Elepa oilfields are currently being operated by the Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited after divestment of the facilities by Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria.

Addressing leaders of both communities at a meeting, Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, said the government had endorsed the sharing formula recommended by the Irorodamie Komonibo-led committee set up last year to mediate on the matter.

Ewhrudjakpo announced the allocation of 40 per cent of all royalties, employment chances and contractual jobs from Renaissance Africa Energy Company to Elepa, while Egweama and Nembe were allocated 30 per cent each.

He directed that the three contractors engaged under the company’s Free To Operate system for the supply of a tug boat, swamp buggy, and crew boat should come under one contract and share the profits accordingly based on the sharing formula.

Ewhrudjakpo commended the calmness of leaders and stakeholders of the area, explaining that the government’s position was informed by its overriding interest in ensuring peace among the feuding communities.

He urged them to talk to their people, especially the youth to maintain the existing peace, and patiently wait for the determination of the lawsuit over the ownership of the disputed Elepa 1 and 2 oil wells at the Court of Appeal.

He said, “We have carefully studied the recommendations in the report submitted by the committee we set up sometime last year to look into your dispute, chaired by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House, Irorodamie Komonibo. As a government, we have adopted the recommendation. So going forward, the Elepa community will have 40 per cent while Egwema and Nembe will get 30 per cent each, pending when the court will give judgment on the ownership case.”

He stated further: “This decision was reached after a thorough consideration of a lot of factors involved, and I believe it is in the best interest of the communities and that of the state to make this sacrifice.”

Responding separately on behalf of the communities, the Chairman of the Nembe Council of Chiefs, Chief Bright Ereware-Igbeta, the Paramount Ruler of Elepa Community, Chief Gelegukuma Apiri, and the CDC Chairman of Egweama Community, Mr. Tonye Yemoleigha, appreciated the relentless efforts of the state government to ensure that there is peace among the three communities despite their conflict of interest.

While thanking the government for the next parameters put in place in respect of employment opportunities and contracts, they agreed to remain peaceful, stressing there is no price too much to pay to enjoy peace.

The highlight of the meeting was the signing of a memorandum of agreement between the Bayelsa State Government represented by the deputy governor and representatives of the three communities. (The PUNCH)