Iwhrekan Community Calls for Urgent Intervention to Prevent Disruption of Oil & Gas Operations

February 18, 2025

The Niger Delta Peace Coalition (NDPC) has issued a strong appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Police to intervene in the escalating crisis in Iwhrekan, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State. The community is facing external interference in the construction of a vital Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Mother Gas Station Project, which threatens to destabilise peace in the oil-producing region.

The urgent appeal, signed by NDPC National Coordinator Zik Gbemre, highlights the disruptive actions of Patrick Weleke, President-General of the Ughievwen Clan, and HRM Okobaro of Ughievwen. According to the petition, these individuals are attempting to forcefully impose themselves as stakeholders in a project that rightfully belongs to the Iwhrekan community.

On February 13, 2025, during the groundbreaking ceremony for the CNG project, Patrick Weleke and his associates, allegedly acting on behalf of the Okobaro of Ughievwen, stormed the event uninvited, attempting to interfere with the proceedings. The Iwhrekan community firmly asserts its autonomy, with its own constitution, leadership structure, and governance, which does not fall under the authority of the Okobaro of Ughievwen.

Iwhrekan plays a critical role in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, hosting key national assets such as:

• Utorogu Gas Plant Phase 1 (Utorogu NAG 1),
• Utorogu Gas Plant Phase 2 (Utorogu NAG 2),
• The ongoing Utorogu Gas Plant Phase 3 (Utorogu NAG 3),
• The Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) Station, which supplies natural gas to power stations across Nigeria and supports the West African Gas Pipeline.

Disrupting peace in Iwhrekan poses a significant risk to national energy security, economic stability, and international gas commitments. The NDPC calls on the federal government and security agencies to act swiftly in preventing further attempts to incite crisis and ensure the uninterrupted execution of the CNG Mother Gas Station Project, a crucial initiative aimed at addressing Nigeria’s gas scarcity.

The community insists that neither Patrick Weleke nor the Okobaro of Ughievwen have any legitimate claim or birthright to interfere in Iwhrekan’s affairs and warns that any crisis resulting from their actions should hold them accountable.

For further inquiries, please contact:

Zik Gbemre
National Coordinator, Niger Delta Peace Coalition (NDPC)
No. 28, Opi Street, Ugboroke Layout, Effurun-Warri
P.O. Box 2254, Warri, Delta State, Nigeria
Tel: +2348026428281, +2348052106013
Email: zik@ndpc-zik.org
Website: www.ndpc-zik.org