There is absolutely no way Exxon would ever partner with a company like ERHC. Part of it is ego and part of it is simply not fitting into their business model. They usually want, and get, things the way they want it. When Exxon makes a deal, they usually want total control. Obviously that did not happen in block 1. But they did partner with the 6th largest corporation in the world and a US company to boot. This type of relationship is OK with Exxon because they will not have too many issues working with Chevron, whose long term interests are closely aligned with Exxon’s. Exxon will never get into a position where they have to deal with a number of indigenous companies who have no assets(yet), virtually no employees, and no capabilities other than their political connections. This does not fit their business model (too risky) and is beneath them in their mind. Exxon would, and has walked away from that circumstance already in the case of ERHC.
Large corporations do not take on unnecessary risk. They do not want to scare their shareholders. That’s how they got to be large corporations. Exxon did not get to where they are, as well as expand their position in the market, by partnering up with mom and pop companies, and certainly not one run by a Nigerian (war lord?).
If Exxon were to do anything, a total buy out could be a remote possibility. Before they do that, they would certainly look at whole picture. Who is the operator? Who are the other companies involved? Again, they are not going to get into a situation where they may have to appease a bunch of small companies, for which they have no respect, and whose interests are not closely aligned with Exxon’s.
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