The discovery of mineral resources in any community should elicit optimism, hope and happiness for an improved well-being of the people. But sadly, this has not been the case in many resource rich areas particularly in the Niger Delta.
From the frosty relationship that has characterized the operations of Shell, Mobil and others with the host communities, the story has always been the same. It is an untold story of neglect, exploitation and deprivation often leading to mass protest by the communities
In Akwa Ibom State, Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited ‘s relationship with its host community in Eket has been anything but cordial.
The American oil giant has exited the community after selling off its onshore operations to Seplat Nigeria Unlimited, its years of long-haul activities have left a sour taste in the mouth.
Fast forward to the entry of Sterling Petrochemical and Fertilizer Limited into Eastern Obolo local government of Akwa Ibom State, the story has not changed.
From allegations of forceful annexation of their land to that of displacing the inhabitants and blocking its source of fresh water in the island community which is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the people of Eastern Obolo have vowed to have nothing with the oil company.
According to them, the diversion of the community’s only source of drinking water led to the outbreak of cholera which they said claimed more than 20 lives.
Reeling out a long list of demands, the community at a new conference in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State and addressed by Chief Joshua Matthew Ayagwung, the village head of Emeroke Community in Eastern Obolo, lamented that since the commencement of civil works by SPFL, “the lives of the people have been under siege. “
“We hereby demand that SPFL must pay the people of Eastern Obolo the sum of 100 million US dollars as compensation for the irreparable damage done to our environment and ecosystem.
” We call on the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Nigerian Extractive Industry and Transparency Initiative (NEITI), the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and other government agencies and International Environmental organizations to beam their regulatory search light on the operations of SPFL and ensure that they comply strictly with extant laws and global best practice.
“We hereby call on the Hon. Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) National Security Adviser, the Inspector General of Police, the Comptroller General of Nigerian Immigration Service to investigate and prosecute any illegal Indian immigrant found within Eastern Obolo in particular and Akwa Ibom State at large.
“Furthermore, the use of militants and armed hoodlums to harass, intimidate and torment our people to achieve their nefarious and reprehensible goals should be thoroughly investigated in the interest of national security and territorial integrity.
” SPFL should vacate the over 1,200 hectares of land occupied by them in excess of the acquired 1,736 hectares of land and restrict its operations there at.
“We demand the payment of 30 million US Dollars for trespass and encroachment into our ancestral land, which does not form part and parcel of the acquired 1,736 hectares of land.
“These demands must be taken seriously and if SPFL fails within 14 days to address our demand, we shall be left with no other option than to deploy all instrumentality of law to press home our demands including peaceful protests.
“We reiterate that we will not stand by while our people are oppressed, displaced, and our land destroyed.
“We call on the compassionate Governor of Akwa Ibom State, the Federal Government, the International Community and all men of good conscience to come to our help and hold SPFL accountable.
“SPFL should note strongly that our demands are non-negotiable and we are resolute to defend our fundamental rights, our land, and our heritage. If these Indians operating SPFL are not ready to subject themselves and be regulated by the laws of Nigeria, they are free to relocate to India, their country of origin, ” the community said during a press conference.
The company has not responded to any of the allegations made against it after the press conference which was in early February and it has not responded to phone calls by THE WHISTLER since then.
It is against this backdrop of renewed hostilities rearing ugly heads that Governor Umo Eno might have thought it wise to raise a committee to resolve the raging conflict between Sterling Petrochemical and Fertilizer Limited (SPFL) and its host community in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area.
Perhaps the Petroleum Industry Act enacted in 2021 which was ” to create efficient and effective governing institutions with clear and separate roles for the petroleum Industry,” has yet to address the critical issues.
Inaugurating the committee in his office, Eno directed that it should “establish the actual land size occupied by SPFL, work with SPFL to get a place for the displaced communities (Ikonta and Obianga), and also work with the communities to ensure smooth and peaceful relocation.”
According to the Governor, the committee is expected to “find a solution that would enhance peaceful coexistence between the host communities and SPFL,” and directed them to present their report within three months.
The Governor acknowledged receipt of a letter from SPFL, committing to train 50 youths in various disciplines within the country to prepare them for opportunities in the company, adding that such was a long-term investment that would have more benefits for the host communities and the state at large.
He said while the project was vital to the socio-economic advancement of the State and country, it was equally important to strike a balance between the investor’s comfort and the survival chances of people in the host community.
Governor Eno, who assured continuous peace and security in the State, urged the committee to be neutral in their dealings in the overall interest of all concerned.
Members of the committee representing the government include Nse Essien,. Udo Kierian Akpan, Ubong Udo Uquang, Abraham Odion, the Commissioner for Labour and Manpower Planning, the Commissioner for Internal Security, the State Commissioner of Police, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning.
On the community side are Samuel Nteogwuijah, Selinah Ukpatu, Gamaliel Harry, Humphrey Oyet, and Sam Ukoima.
To represent SPFL are Amit Gosh, Davinder Mor, and Mr. Jude Bassey.
Though Eno is optimistic that there would be an amicable resolution of the crisis, it remains to be seen how SPFL and indeed other oil companies would forge a common front with their host communities to engender mutual benefits for all parties.
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SPFL In Frosty Relationship With Akwa Ibom Host Community is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
Source: The Whistler
