Somtochukwu

Victor Agbaroji’s emergence as Chief Operating Officer of Oil Mining Lease 26 (OML 26) has been anything but admirable, nine months into his torrid reign.

Having succeeded erstwhile COO, Ebenezer Ageh, who sources said “voluntarily resigned” in March 2020, Mr. Agbaroji’s immediate show of disaffection with workers and solidified estrangement from host communities, have swiftly ignited calls for the immediate return of his predecessor.

The Agbaroji-led Asset Management Team of OML 26 — a joint venture between the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), a subsidiary of the NNPC, and the First Hydrocarbon Nigeria Limited (FHN) has been spotlighted in recent months over a variety of controversies.

Smeared by a barrage of both internal and external agitations from aggrieved workers and neglected host communities, the AMT under Mr. Agbaroji has remained undeterred in its widely criticised style of leadership.

Indigenes of Okpaile, Ellu and Ofagbe communities in Isoko North local government area of Delta State on Thursday, ramped up their protest against months of deprivation by the current management of the AMT, when they thronged the Ogini Flow station, paralysing operations of the oil company.

The agitators were joined in solidarity by some aggrieved workers of the oil firm, who leveraged the moment to demand the sacking of their chief operating officer over delayed and constricted benefits.

“The simple truth is that we are tired of Agbaroji,” a contract staff at OML 26, Prince Henry, told LEADERSNG

“Our regular end of the year bonuses were not just delayed, but drastically reduced. Many contract staff are still being paid their old rates, despite the new rates that were agreed upon renewal of their contracts,” Mr. Henry lamented.

A community chieftain from Ellu, who pleaded anonymity for the fear of retribution said the embattled chief operating officer had unilaterally cancelled a handful of projects instituted by his predecessor, which held the promise of bringing succor to the host communities.

“Everyone is tired of him (Agbaroji). Many projects that were set up by Ageh (immediate past COO), which were awaiting execution have been abruptly terminated,” the community chieftain said.

“An alternative road project that was planned by the company at Okpaile community to reduce hazard has been surprisingly cancelled by Agbaroji. A turbine project for oil communities in Isoko North LGA has also been shelved by him. He must go!”

Another community stakeholder who simply identified himself as Indugba, accused Mr. Agbaroji of transferring projects favouring community interest to his cronies.

“You can see that both workers and community members want Agbaroji to be immediately replaced for peace to reign,” he added. “We want Ebenezer Ageh back!”

All efforts to reach Mr. Agbaroji for comments proved futile as his telephone lines rang out when contacted.

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