The Biafra Defacto Customary Government, BDFCG, has called on the delegation to the 2014 National Conference to unearth and advocate for the implementation of the conference report, saying it holds crucial recommendations for the equitable control of resources.
In a press statement issued in Awka, the Pro-Biafran group noted exploitation by Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited, and the exploitative practices of private interests associated with Orient Petroleum Resources in their areas of operation, saying it has deprived the (people) Biafrans of the economic benefits derived from the natural resources, perpetuating an unjust distribution of individual and social welfare.
The statement signed by BDFCG Spokesperson, Prosper Odinga, warned that the economic well-being of the people is at stake, and that private interests can no longer be allowed to compromise the potential benefits of the natural resources, insisting that there is no reason why anybody should lack anything in Biafraland just as it described sale of fuel above N70 per litre as criminal.
The statement reads in full:
Biafra Natural Resources Must Be For The People’s Welfare Rather Than An Instrument Of Oppression
As it appears currently, Biafran natural resources are being exploited in the guise of one Nigeria by Fulani-Hausa and Yoruba trio post conflict winners alliance with their oligarchies and crony perpetrators.
The Biafra De Facto Customary Government (BDFCG) wishes to make this clarification bordering on uneven distribution of our God-given natural resources where very few privileged economic and political buccaneers are living large at the expense of majority of the people. We bring to the forefront two distinct but interrelated issues that demand public awareness – the exploitation by Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited and the exploitative practices of private interests associated with Orient Petroleum Resources.
It has come to our attention that Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited is significantly exploiting oil within Biafran territory. Their modular refinery in Ibigwe, Ohaji/Egbema located in today’s Local Government Area of Imo State, is producing over 600 million litres of various petroleum products. Shockingly, the people are estranged in this natural resource exploitation and sharing of the dividends.
This situation is deeply troubling as it deprives Biafrans of the economic benefits derived from our natural resources, perpetuating an unjust distribution of individual and social welfare. This exploitation further exacerbates the disparities our people have long suffered from, leading to economic marginalization.
Moreover, we are alarmed by recent attempts by the Federal Government to enforce crude oil supply to Dangote through the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission. If successful, this move would divert even more resources away from our region, leaving us at a severe disadvantage.
In addition to oil exploitation, we expose exploitative practices by private interests, particularly those associated with Orient Petroleum Resources and Ibeto. The clandestine activities involving Ibeto, a major shareholder in Orient Petroleum Resource.
Today’s Anambra, known as the Gas capital of Nigeria, holds approximately 30 trillion cubic feet of gas within the Anambra basin alone. However, unscrupulous practices threaten the economic benefits for the local population.
Cotton Wooden Gas Plant Ltd, owned by Ibeto, has commenced full-scale production in Omasi, Ayamelum Local Government Area, generating Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) at a rate of 5000 mscf per day. This plant allegedly operates in partnership with Orient Petroleum Resources, taking gas from one of its wells in Enugu Otu Aguleri.
Orient Petroleum Resources, planning to establish the Anambra Gas Fired Independent Power Plant (IPP) at Ughenu, Awka North, raises concerns about equitable resource distribution.
BDFCG demands immediate investigation and intervention by relevant authorities to halt these exploitative practices. The economic well-being of our people is at stake, and we cannot allow private interests to compromise the potential benefits of our natural resources.There is no reason why anybody should lack anything in Biafraland. It is criminal to sell fuel above N70 per litre!
We call upon our delegation to the 2014 National Conference to unearth and advocate for the implementation of the conference report, which holds crucial recommendations for the equitable control of resources.
The Biafran people stand united in our quest for justice, autonomy, and control over our resources. We urge all stakeholders to recognize the significance of the Aburi Accord and the imperative for genuine restructuring, acknowledging the rights of self determination of willing indigenous people in the colonial concocted Nigeria territory.
Prosper Odinga
Spokesperson, BDFCG
Phone: +19173465419
Email: biafradefactogov@gmail.com