As the controversy over the decision of the Rivers State Government to acquire Shell’s 45 per cent stake in OML 11 continues unabated, the State Government has announced its readiness to face legal battles associated with the acquisition.
Governor Wike said on Thursday at a meeting with Ejamah Community leaders that the government will not sell the interest of the people.
Alluding to the fact that there will be legal battles for the soul of the OML, Wike said that the State Government will defend its interests and that of the communities.
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He added that host communities of OML 11 will acquire some percentage to give them a sense of belonging.
The governor said the interest of Rivers State must be protected at all times, adding that OML 11 is not only for Ogoni as it extends to Okrika, Andoni, Oyigbo and Ikwerre.
“Any community linked to OML 11 should be eternally grateful to you. I know some communities that only N300million will change them. Your refusal to collect N7billion led to the auctioning of Shell Interest.
“If the Federal Government wants to talk, it is the Rivers State Government it should talk with because we have acquired Shell’s interest. I am with you. God knows I have no personal interest.”
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