A socio/cultural Group, Kogi for Efficiency in Governance, (KEG), has warned youth in Ajaokuta not to derail the developmental agenda of President Muhammodu Buhari by stalling the speedy completion of the Ajaokuta-Abuja- Kaduna (AKK), gas pipe line because of its numerous economic benefits to Nigerians.
In a statement by the Chairman and secretary of the group, Suleiman Adeku and Hassan Enejo cautioned that this laudable project must not be narrowed down to petty politics.
The statement was coming against the backdrop of the recent protest by youth they described as uninformed, saying that they are being misled by people who are more interested in their personal gains.
They said that their findings also showed that the company handling the project, OILSERVE has followed due process by visiting stakeholders and have restated their willingness to have a harmonious relationship with the host communities
We gathered also that the company also said it’s illegal for anyone to farm or carry out any development on the right of ways that have been acquired over time .
In addition, they said it is not their responsibility to pay compensation on right of ways, saying it’s the responsibility of the NNPC, which they understand have acquired this right of way over time.
“We are aware that the company have visited traditional rulers and stakeholders in the affected States and communities to ensure a hitch-free operation.
The then Administrator, of Ajaokuta Local Government, Mustapha Aka’aba also took proactive step by setting up a Committee to effectively liase with the companies operating in the area and the youth to ensure that all problems associated with the operation of companies and benefits to the youth are amicably resolved and not specifically for OILSERVE
“It will not be proper for the companies in the area to operate on the basis of individual relationship, hence the need for the committee.
“We are also aware that some compensation have been Carried out already in Ohunene community where the ground breaking took place. Unfortunately, even those who benefited from the compensation were also among the protesters. This is embarrassing. They said
Speaking further, they wondered why the boys would go against an indigenous company, BASE-SAN, which performed well when it handled projects for Seamens company Which construct the Geregu power plant since 2007 to date.
“Our findings equally revealed that BASE-SAN has done Very well in terms of quality of jobs carried out, prompt delivery of projects and excellent in community relations.
“The company has been in charge of the security of the power plant in Geregu, the Ajaokuta Steel company and have not been found wanting. Why complain now. This project must not be narrowed down to the politics of the area. The project is above petty politics. They warned.
While noting that the said indigenous company has been alive to it’s cooperate Social responsibility, the group listed the achievements of the company to include; sinking of boreholes in communities around the area, construction of bridges in Abuja and Kaduna estates in Ajaokuta among other projects executed by BASE-SAN.
While stressing that the gas pipe line project was critical to the development of the country, the group called all lovers of development to resist this ugly trend that was capable of undermining the development efforts of the current administration.
