1 week ago
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UYO – Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has waded into the growing conflict between the people of Eastern Obolo Local Government Area and Sterling Petrochemical and Fertilizer Limited (SPFL) assuring the host communities that his administration will ensure a fair and lasting resolution to their grievances.
Speaking after a painstaking tour of SPFL’s facility, the Governor announced the immediate formation of a high-powered committee, comprising representatives from the state government, Eastern Obolo, SPFL, and security agencies.
This committee, according to Governor Umo Eno will examine environmental concerns, oversee the relocation of affected communities, verify the company’s land usage, and address other critical issues threatening peace in the area.
Addressing the people he said, “Our coming here today should give you hope. We have seen the situation firsthand and will work for you. The issues at stake must be resolved in a way that ensures justice for the people while sustaining industrial development”.
Recall that tensions in Eastern Obolo, had on Thursday January 30th, 2025, prompted a press conference addressed by the Paramount Ruler, HRM Uboon Harry J. Etetor IX who issued a 14-day ultimatum to SPFL to address and reverse all the grievances raised or face the wrath of the host communities.
The Obolo people had during the interface with the media accused SPFL of forcefully closing federal navigation waterways, displacing communities, and causing flooding, pollution, and deaths. The Paramount Ruler, it could be recalled had also, lamented that over 20 lives had been lost, while thousands remain cut off from fresh water, medical care, and fishing grounds.
Beyond environmental concerns, the community also accused SPFL of violating Nigeria’s expatriate quota policy by employing over 1,000 undocumented foreign workers. They alleged that many of the Indian expatriates were secretly smuggled into Eastern Obolo at night, posing a serious security risks. Additionally, they claimed that local content laws were being ignored, with contracts going to expatriate-owned firms while indigenous businesses were sidelined.
Reacting to their grievances, Governor Eno stressed the importance of peaceful coexistence and assured the people that Akwa Ibom’s industrialization efforts would not come at the cost of human suffering.
He appealed to members of the host communities to remain calm as the government works to reconcile all parties involved.
Chairman of Eastern Obolo LGA, Mr Samuel Nteogwuijah, thanked the Governor for taking swift action, assuring that the community was ready to work with SPFL, provided the company respects their rights.
Also speaking, Selina Ukpatu, member representing Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo state constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, expressed confidence in the Governor’s leadership, expressing optimism that the intervention would lead to lasting peace.
Speaking on behalf of SPFL, the company’s Managing Director, Mr. Mohit Barot pledged commitment to abide by government directives and improve its community relations.
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