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Shell: No plan to relocate
From Ndubuisi Orji and Kemi Yesufu, Abuja
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, yesterday, inaugurated an Ad-hoc committee to investigate planned relocation of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) from Rivers State.
Speaking at the inauguration of the committee, the speaker, who was represented by Deputy Majority Whip, Pally Iriase, said the planned relocation has generated tension within the area, and noted that if nothing is done about it, the situation might escalate.
Dogara tasked the committee, which has four weeks to complete its assignment, to come up with a report that will be fair to all the parties involved.
“Relocation by the SPDC is said to be based on security concerns today. This has generated outcry and agitation by the people and, if we, as a House, do not address it, it may escalate and result to violence and insecurity.”
He added that there is need for improved relationship between the Federal Government and the Niger Delta, as it will help in addressing current economic challenges in the country.
Earlier, in his welcome address, committee chairman, Ishiaka Ibrahim, said in the course of its assignment, the committee will interface with relevant stakeholders on the matter.
He promised the committee will be fair to all concerned.
“We shall engage relevant stakeholders in order to come up with report and recommendation that would stand the test of time.
“We shall also consider all factors surrounding the conception of the decision of the SPDC planned relocation from Port Harcourt,” he said.
The House had, in January 2017, adopted a motion to intervene in the planned relocation of SPDC from Rivers state.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson, who declined to be named, dismissed fears that SPDC will relocate from Rivers.
“The SPDC has no plans to relocate its headquarters.
“This has nothing to do with SPDC since we are already headquartered in Port Harcourt and have always been,” the spokesman told The Cable, yesterday night.
Shell is the only international oil company with a Nigerian Managing Director, Osagie Okunbor
