On January 15, 2018, Paul Biya’s Societe Nationale des Hydrocarbures (SNH), launched a bid, calling for tenders to exploit eight new oil exploration blocks (AEI 808) Bakassi, Bomanana Bolongo (in the Rio del Rey basin), in Ndian County.

However, the restive situation in the Federal Republic of Ambazonia in general, and Ndian County in particular, caused many foreign oil exploiters to shy away from the bid. The strong control of the Ambazonian Restoration Forces, made many oil operators to term the area a danger zone.

However, one EurOil Ltd (local affiliate of Bowleven), owned by Ndieb-Nso George Tabetando, (a vomited chief of Bachwo-Tie, a village in Manyu County), is reported to have tendered his bid, and is most likely going to clinch the offer.

Tabetando is notorious for boasting to be the masterminded of internet blackout in Ambazonia. He also prides himself to have anchored operations that have maimed, killed and arbitrarily arrested many Ambazonians.

Yet, Tabetando wants to add salts to injury, by bridging the injunction placed by restoration forces, for no exploitation of the natural resources of Ambazonia.

The restoration forces have say should any shadow of Tabetando’s EruOil be seen in Ndian, it shall be burnt down. According to anonymous Ambazonian forces who sent Tabetando and his relatives, direct messages, exploiting any natural resources an Ambaland is prohibited till further notice.

EurOil Ltd, already active on the Etinde block has a reputation in the oil sector for being weak-willed, given Tabetando has never managed to secure enough funds to develop discoveries made on the company’s permits.

Already, restoration forces gave those companies operating in Ndian, weeks to leave the County or their rigs be burnt. While many including ENI, Lukoil, Anadarko, Tullow Oil and Husky Energy, have down their tolls and taken a sabbatical leave, those still operating in the area, pay royalties to the Ambazonian forces.

Lucas Muma,

Managing Editor – BaretaNews