Delta community protests alleged marginalization by oil coy

ANGRY inhabitants of Erhoike community, Ethiope East Local Government Area, Delta State went up in arms against the Heritage Oil Company, accusing the management of sidelining their indigenes in employment, scholarships and other corporate social responsibilities, CSR. The protesters, mainly women, claimed that the management of the company was insensitive to the pains of the people. Lamenting that they have nothing to show for the abundant oil in the community, they called on Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to wade into the matter and prevail on the management to do the needful. Speaking to newsmen, one of the protesters, Madam Maris Akpochimore, said, “We are suffering untold hardship despite the oil wells we have in this community. We have no food to eat and our children are not employed by the company. Efforts made to reach the Head of Public Affairs Department of the company proved abortive at press time. However, one of the company’s staff, who pleaded anonymity, said the company has good rapour with Erhoike community. He said their demands were being looked into, but the management was yet to take decision on the issues.