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Oil-producing communities decry neglect, marginalisation

By Inemesit Akpan-Nsoh, Uyo
22 January 2016   |   2:50 am
THE Traditional Rulers Council of Eastern Obolo Local Council of Akwa Ibom State has appealed to the federal and state governments to call the oil companies operating in their communities to honour agreements, as failure may result to unpleasant consequences. Addressing journalists at Obolo Hall in Okoroete, the council headquarters yesterday, the Chairman, Eastern Obolo…
gate of Port harcourt refinery. Photo; wikimedia

gate of Port harcourt refinery. Photo; wikimedia

THE Traditional Rulers Council of Eastern Obolo Local Council of Akwa Ibom State has appealed to the federal and state governments to call the oil companies operating in their communities to honour agreements, as failure may result to unpleasant consequences.

Addressing journalists at Obolo Hall in Okoroete, the council headquarters yesterday, the Chairman, Eastern Obolo Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Highness (HRH), Job J. Job, said that despite the enormous resources being tapped from the area, no developmental project to better the living condition of the people has been executed by the oil companies, federal and state governments.

“All efforts at meeting with the representative of the oil companies had always not been honoured by the companies, and where such entreaties are honoured, the representatives of these companies always treat them with disdain.

“It is expedient to come out now in line with the philosophy of the state government of ‘DAKADA’, (arise) and ask for our right, we have done everything humanly possible, but to no avail. Mobil has operated in this local council for over 43 years, yet nothing to show. Shell has been here for more than 63 years, yet nothing to show”, he said.

He said the people are now calling on government to quickly intervene so as to avert crisis that may break out in Eastern Obolo council area because of high level of neglect and marginalisation by the oil companies operating in the area.

He pointed out that Eastern Obolo under the Eket Senatorial District of the state is the highest producer of crude oil in the state as it hosts five major multinational oil firms in the country, including ExxonMobil, SPDC, Amni International, Total E&P, Conoil Nig. Ltd and Addax.

At the briefing, which was attended by chiefs from the 109 villages in the local council, village and clan heads, elders as well as youths, the monarch warned that the people might be forced to protest against continued exploitation of their natural resources with nothing to show as benefit for the people.

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