A’Ibom gov mediates oil firm, host community dispute

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has inaugurated a tripartite committee to facilitate the resolution of lingering issues between Sterling Petrochemical and Fertiliser Limited and the host communities.

The committee comprises government officials, representatives of the oil firm and that of the host communities.

Members representing the government are Nse Essien, Udo Kierian Akpan, Ubong Udo Uquang, Abraham Odion, Commissioner for Labour and Manpower Planning, Commissioner for Internal Security, Commissioner of Police, and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning, respectively.

From the community side are Samuel Nteogwuijah, Selinah Ukpatu, Prof Gamaliel Harry, Chief Humphrey Oyet, and Sam Ukoima.

To represent SPFL are Mr Amit Gosh, Mr Davinder Mor, and Mr Jude Bassey.

The committee is expected to submit its report within three months.

The relationship between the communities and the company became strained over the years, following accusations that the company had reneged on the 2022 agreement by encroaching on an additional piece of land not covered in the initial agreement.

The communities also alleged that the activities of the company had caused blockage of their waterways and channels, resulting in hardship.

Inaugurating the committee at the Government House, Uyo, on Wednesday, Eno charged members to establish the actual land size occupied by the company, work with it to get a place for the displaced communities (Ikonta and Obianga), and liaise with the communities to ensure smooth and peaceful relocation.

“You are to work to establish the actual land size of the land, liaise with the company to get a place for the displaced communities and liaise with the communities to facilitate smooth relocation,” the governor said.

Eno, who acknowledged receipt of a letter by SPFL, committing to training 50 youths in various disciplines, said while the project was vital to the socio-economic advancement of the state, it was equally important to strike a balance between the investor’s comfort and survival chances of the people in the host community.