On the heels of Seplat Energy Company’s acquisition of ExxonMobil’s Onshore Oil & Gas Assets, Qua Iboe Export Terminal, Ekid People’s Union, acting on behalf of Ekid people, have requested for an urgent meeting with the company, as landlords.
In a letter emanating from Akpadiaha Ebitu & Co. (Covenant Chambers), solicitors to Ekid People’s Union, addressed to Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, chairman of Seplat Energy Company and sighted by the media, the people welcomed the company with open arms and warned them to be careful of imposter(s) that may fraudulently approach them, claiming to be the landlord/land owners.
The law firm wrote,
“We are solicitors to Ekid People’s Union, a body registered under the Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the protection and advancements of the interest of the good people of Eket and Esit Eket Local Government Areas (hereinafter referred to as “Our Clients”) who are the lawful landlords over the Stubbs Creek Forest where the aforementioned terminal is situated, and on their instructions we write in respect of the above captioned subject matter.
“Our brief is that, our clients have become aware of your company’s acquisition of ExxonMobil’s onshore Oil & Gas asserts, particularly the Qua Iboe Export Terminal situated at a location known and called variously as “AKOIYAK” “OKOYAK” “OKOIYAK” and generally referred to as STUBBS CREEK FOREST, property of our clients.
“It is our further brief that, your company has not deemed it necessary and expedient to extend the courtesy of reaching out to our clients as your landlords. It is therefore the instruction of our clients that we inform and demand from your company as follows:
(1) That the area where Qua Iboe Export Terminal is situated is the property in perpetuity of our clients as upheld in a Privy Council judgment of 1918.
(2) It is the desire of our clients to request, and we so request on their behalf for an urgent meeting with the management of your company at your earliest convenience to address all areas of potential conflicts, including rents.
(3) That your company should beware of any imposter (s) that may fraudulently approach your company claiming to be landlords/land owners of the Stubbs Creek Forest.
(4) That our clients are peaceful and law abiding and it is their desire to have a robust and mutually beneficial relationship with your company.
“Sir, we wish to advise that we are ready to furnish your good self with the Privy Council decision and other documents to buttress our position if you have need for them as we congratulate and welcome you to our clients’ domain on their behalf.”
