·
* Demand for development of the area from ExxonMobil
and Government
The youth of Eket Federal Constituency under the aegis of
Host Community Youth Movement paid an advocacy visit to the Paramount Ruler of
Eket Local Government Area, Chief E. C. D. Abia in his palace. The youth
numbering over two hundred thronged into the palace of the Eket monarch as part
of their resolved to engage key stakeholders of the area on issues that concern
the generality of the people of the Eket Federal Constituency. The Host
Community Youth Movement which comprises of the four local government areas of
Eket, Ibeno, Onna and Esit Eket otherwise known as the catchment area of
ExxonMobil operational base decided to come together to agitate on issues that
is affecting the four local government areas.
Declaring the intention of their visit known to the Eket
Monarch, the Speaker of the group, Comrade Samuel Udoh expressed disappointment
on the dearth of infrastructure in the area, the non-implementation of the
local content policy by ExxonMobil and other oil companies operating in the
area, entrenchment of workers from the area, lack of development programmes,
neglect of the region by government, non-training of youth in skill programmes,
among others as the main reasons that the youth of the four LGAs decided to
come together to demand for their right. He said that while other youth in the
Niger Delta region are using arms to fight their cause, the Host Community
Youth Movement has adopted dialogue as the best mechanism for their agitation.
“Your Royal Majesty, we are here to discuss issues affecting
our federal constituency with you. We don’t want our motive to be misconstrued.
There are no good roads in the four local government areas. Our infrastructures
today are in total decay. No vibrant educational system in our area. No human
capacity development for the youth, yet, Eket Federal Constituency remains the
most peaceful communities in the country,” he stated.
Speaking further, Comrade Samuel said that it is high time
the people of the area rise up in unity to demand for what belongs to them from
ExxonMobil and government, hence, the need for them to seek audience with all
key stakeholders of the area to inform them on their agitation and also solicit
for their cooperation.
“We have been overlooked completely for years by successive
government and multi-national companies operating in our region while the
resources exploited in our domain are used to developed other areas. We have
decided shun confrontational approach as is done in other Niger Delta region
but to open a window of dialogue with key stakeholders to press forward our
demand. We call for genuine development in our area for a sustainable peaceful
atmosphere,” he emphasized.
In a separate speech, the spokesperson for Ibeno LGA,
Comrade John Cyril highlighted the major challenges confronting the area to
include youth unemployment, secret employment of non-indigenes, violation of
terms of contract with the host communities, environmental degradation as
issues that needed urgent attention by ExxonMobil , other oil servicing
companies operating in the area and
government.
Speaking for Onna LGA, Comrade Nnamso David Ekpo called on
ExxonMobil to respect the local content law of the federal government , stop
henceforth the massive engagement of non-indigenes in contract execution and
job placement in the company to the detriment of the host communities, and
therefore demand for ExxonMobil to as a matter of urgency relocate their
headquarter to Akwa Ibom State. He submitted that henceforth, all companies
operating in the area must have offices in the four local government area for
peaceful operation as the youth will not relent in their effort to demand for
what belongs to the communities.
Also in his contribution, Prince Godwin M. Peter speaking
for Esit Eket called for ExxonMobil to pay attention to their host communities
in the area of youth employment, contract execution by indigenous contractors,
the need for the company to have a program for the area and return of Ibeno
Jetty which was taken away to Onne to its original location for peace to reign
in the area. He also warned elders and community leaders who are engaged in the
business of compromising the community interest to desist henceforth as such
cases will not be treated with kid gloves.
The group also called on all elected sons and daughters of
the area who are serving in either elected or appointed position in government to
put the interest of the area a top priority in their agenda. They submitted
that all their demands will be captured in their Position Paper which will be
presented to ExxonMobil, State and Federal Government, all servicing companies,
contractors, and therefore solicit for their cooperation in their genuine
agitation through dialogue.
Responding, the Paramount Ruler of Eket local government
area, His Majesty, Chief E. C. D. Abia, thanked the youth of the Federal
Constituency for their decision to come together and demand for the right of
the communities. He expressed disappointment that the peaceful disposition of
the people of the area has been taken for granted while our people suffer the
consequences of oil exploitation, stating that it is a different ball game
entirely in other states where oil is exploited.
Chief Abia raised sensitive issues like environmental
pollution through oil activities in the area which have not only destroyed the
ecosystem but also affect human being as we breathe poisonous gas as a result
of the result of oil activities in the area while the infrastructures are in
total decay. He stated that the oil companies should pay compensation to the
people as is done in other communities. He said the government of Akwa Ibom
State has good plan for the youth in the area of industrialization and
therefore call for the establishment of training institution for manpower
development.
He stated that some of the issues raised by the group are
issues he has raised at several fora with government at the federal and state
level, and encouraged the youth to be peaceful and united to succeed in their
demand.
“I am happy that all the four LGAs are together. If we are
not united, it is easier for us to be cheated. If we are united and press
forward our demand, we will surely get what belong to us as what we are getting
is crumb which does not commensurate with our peaceful disposition.
“ExxonMobil must appoint our people into top positions in
the company. The interest of the company and that of the communities are the
same. It is the interest of the companies to do what is good for the
communities for the companies to operate peacefully. All servicing companies
operating in the area must have their offices in their area of operation. New projects need to be sited in our area.
New roads need to be constructed while old ones need to be rehabilitated,” he
submitted.
He called on federal
government as a matter of urgency to site a federal government institution in
the area as the bird that lays the golden egg and continuous negligence of the
area by multi-national oil servicing companies, federal and state government
will not be condoned. He therefore advised youth to shunned militancy and
confrontational approaches to press forward their demand, and promised to
assist the group to deliver their Position Paper to the appropriate quarters
for immediate action.
The visit draws youths from the four local government area
of Eket Federal Constituency. Also, in attendance were the four local
government Chairmen of the group: Comrade Stanley Udoaka for Eket who is the
Central Chairman; Comrade Bassey Atabop for Ibeno; Comrade Emman Ekwere for
Onna and Comrade Iniobong Ibok for Esit Eket while the meeting was moderated by
the Acting Secretary, Comrade Ubong Assam.
Comrade Stanley Udoaka gave a vote of thanks on behalf of
the group and promised not to fail the people of the area as the interest of
the communities will be top priority of their agitation.
 |
| Some Host Community Youth Movement in group photographs |
 |
| The Speaker of the Group, Comrade Samuel Udoh making his presentation to His Majesty |
 |
| Comrade John Cyril making his presentation |
 |
| Comrade Nnamso Ekpo making a speech |
 |
| Prince Godwin W. Peter making his speech |
 |
| His Majesty, Dr. E. C. D. Abia and Hon. Okpoyo |
Comments
Post a Comment