Meridian......we may want to list some of the reasons somebody might post that CVX has not met with ERHC:
1) The more interest/speculation of CVX meeting with ERHC, the more competition CVX might feel in striking a deal with ERHC. A CVX interest might want to "talk down" any meetings between the two companies so not to rile up more interest/competition.
2) If word gets out strongly that these two companies are meeting, it could drive up ERHC's shareprice making a buy-in or buyout price too low given the inflated shareprice.
3) Seems if SNP catches word that CVX is secretly meeting ERHC....their interests in B-2 are in jeopardy and they may begin to renegotiate a better deal with ERHC...driving up the price for CVX.
4) Perhaps the recent Energy Intelligence article stated the reason somebody might try to undermine the meeting between these two companies when they mentioned this about CVX and XOM:
"The US duo is watching closely from the sidelines, anxious not to do anything that might strengthen ERHC and the Nigerian independents. Exxon and Chevron have declined to comment on reports of an oil discovery on Block 1, and might well take a long time to make any announcement that could enhance the attractions of neighboring blocks."
I guess one of my flags is your coming on board just about the same time CVX would have finished drilling and would know what they found. The theme of your posts have been strongly angled toward CVX having no contact with ERHC even going as far as making derogatory comments about Barry Morgans reporting. I have difficulty with the "I'm here to save you" to help keep the faith in ERHC and I'm not here for any other reason than that statement.
There are many more reasons a company like CVX would want any negotiations kept low key with ERHC. Especially when it involves the liklihood of billion of barrels of oil meaning tens of billions of dollars in play. Often these type of negotiations are kept under wrap.....until released publically and there are numerous reasons to do so.
If there's as much oil in B-2 as speculation holds....I don't doubt for a second that CVX would be running to ERHC to negotiate....and certainly wouldn't wait for ERHC to land them in a deal as your #1 indicates. This is what this game is all about...OIL.
As for #2....SNP is already in the game. Recall the MOU?? Obviously if SNP learns that CVX is trying to outbid them....the price goes up.
For #3...nope, didn't know SNP was in til the announcement of the MOU with them. I'm sure they like it kept quiet. CVX would want their negotiations kept underwrap also for probably many of the same reasons. They may even send somebody to the stock boards to squash talk as this does involve big numbers.
For #4...what has CVX released publically about their find? I believe they have kept it as close to the chest as possible. However, with the number of persons on the drill ship and in the offices not to mention the JDA that they have to report to.....it WOULD BE difficult to keep it hush hush for long as stories/rumors have it as a very huge find.
Meridian....there is no other poster out there right now that I would rather read posts from as you have PROVEN you have some ties to the scene and you DO provide this board with much insight. I just remain skeptical of your timing, your stated reasoning for posting and what I perceive as your main theme here (to discount any activity between ERHC and CVX) which conflicts with information supplied elsewhere that has earned trust by holding water.
Either way, ERHC'ers are in a win/win be it SNP or CVX. Both co's are supers and having our name tied in with them will bring a new level of interest into our minnow.
Regardless of whether you have alterior motives for posting or not, your posts are given some heavy duty reading and we're pleased you've been sharing information on this forum.