Be Distinct on CSR Issues, Monarch Admonishes IOCs in Bonny

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

International oil companies (IOCs) and their sub-contractors operating in Finima, Bonny Kingdom, Rivers State have been admonished to be distinct in their dealings with issues of corporate social responsibility (CSR).

The Amadabo of Finima, Alabo Dagogo Lambert Brown, gave the charge during a ceremony in remembrance of the turbulence period and cerebration of existing peace and security in the community.

June 10 every year is marked as a day of remembering when the community was attacked by their neighbours because they protested for their rights from the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) company.

During the peaceful ceremony held at the weekend in Finima Town, Brown advised the IOCs to separate their dealings with their landlord communities in Bonny Island on statutory issues as enshrined by the Petroleum Industry Act and Local Content laws.
He observed that, “some of these IOCs like NLNG, have lots of obligatory commitments peculiar to Finima Community as landlords and not the entire Bonny Kingdom.”

The monarch expressed the believe that, “if this is clearly understood by our brothers in the neighbourhood, there would be no need for some of these ignorant and unwarranted antagonisms.”

Speaking further on the IOCs relationship with the Finima Capacity Development Committee (FCDC) saddled with the responsibility to engage with all corporate entities doing business in the area, the king said they must work in consonance with the relevant PIA and Local Content laws that benefits host communities.
The monarch further added, “Finima is recognised and treated in real terms as host community and in this regard, directly dealt with in its own right and merits in accordance with the laws and not related with or dealt with through proxies.

“That Finima Community benefits maximally from the NOGICD Act, NCDMB Community Content guideline, the PIA and in accordance with international best practice from the operations of all corporate entities in Finima lands.

“That Finima community engages relevant government authorities, agencies, international organizations, NGOs or other relevant bodies that may be of help in the achievement of sustainable development of the Community.”  

He, however, thanked all their sons and daughters who have sacrificed so much to ensure the relative peace experiencing in the community.
In his exhortation at the ceremony, a cleric, Dr. Steve Ogan, prayed for the community and declared that Finima shall never be attacked again.

He stressed the need for thanksgiving, adding that it was a way of recognising what God has done for them.

Also speaking, a representative of Finima Capacity Development Committee (FCDC), Charles Brown, spoke of their resolve to ensure they remain united and agitate for what is due the community.