Imo State Government has deplored the activities of Nigerain Agip Oil Company, accusing it of neglecting oil producing communities in the state despite the cooperation of the people.
It described the actions of the firm as intentional and unbelievable.
The State Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere, who stated this during the 19th Farmers Day celebration hosted by the Oil Company at the Green River Project Plant Propagation Centre in Ogba-Egbema, Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, noted that it was the first time the state would be invited for such important event as an oil producing state.
He recalled that the poor management of the pollution caused by the explosion of two crude oil storage facilities of the Firm polluted the source of water of about 13 communities in Egbema, one of the oil producing communities in the state, adding that it was the intervention of the State government that restored peace in the community.
Madumere who was visibly angry, stated that it would be difficult to vouch for AGIP when the issue of Corporate Social Responsibility came up, as a result of its dealings with the host communities in the state.
He described as surprising the fact that the Firm has been teaching latest farming techniques, offering extension services and micro credit to farmers in over 120 rural communities without including any community in the state. (Thisday)
