Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has sued for peace between the people of Eastern Obolo Local Government Area and the management of Sterling Petrochemical and Fertilizer Limited, SPFL, with an assurance that his government will ensure judicious and amicable resolution of all lingering issues between the duo.
Addressing the people of Eastern Obolo and the management and staff of SPFL shortly after hours of painstaking tour around the SPFL facility, the Governor said a committee comprising representatives of government, Eastern Obolo, SPFL and security agencies will be inaugurated to facilitate lasting solutions to the issues between the communities and the company.
He said the committee would look at issues including Environmental Impact Assessment and relocation of the people of Obianga and Ikonta while also ascertaining the actual hectarage occupied by the company and other issues that will enhance cordial company-community relations.
The Governor stressed the need to maintain peace, saying it was imperative for the good of all concerned parties, including the host communities, the State and the country at large.
Governor Eno noted that the government under his leadership has been very inclusive, and Eastern Obolo has equally enjoyed government presence through the one project per local government initiative, roads, compassionate homes, and others, adding that the visit was basically to have first-hand information on the issues raised by the community and fashion out ways to ensure lasting peace.
He noted that Akwa Ibom has remained one of the most peaceful and friendly environments to do business in Nigeria, and urged the host communities to look beyond the current inconveniences they were experiencing, as the presence of the company will enhance a better future for their children and generations yet unborn.
“Our coming here today should be a relief, give you succour and give you hope that the State Government has come. We have seen and we will go back and work for you. We have looked at the location issue and the closure of the creeks, particularly as it affects Obianga and Ikonta. Please continue to work with the company because the project has greater benefits for this community, for Akwa Ibom and for Nigeria.
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Earlier, the Chairman of Eastern Obolo Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. Samuel Nteogwuija, had appreciated the Governor for his numerous development strides in the area and especially, for shelving other demands of the government to visit the community and intervene for peace to reign.
“Your Excellency, we are happy with your intervention on this matter. We assure you that our people support your development initiatives and are willing to work with SPFL to ensure that industrial activities are carried out in a responsible and sustainable manner in line with extant laws and international best practices, ” he said.
Similarly, the Member representing Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo State Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Selina Ukpatu, appreciated the Governor and expressed confidence that his visit and directives will bring lasting solution to the issues, as the people were ready to abide by the directives.
Also speaking, Paramount Ruler of Eastern Obolo, HRM Uboon Harry J. Etetor ix and the Chairman, Eastern Obolo Host Committee, Professor Gamaliel Harry, appreciated the Governor for his visit, and commitment to ensuring lasting peace between the host communities and the company.
On his part, the Managing Director, SPFL, Mr. Mohit Barot, said the SPFL has been in Nigeria for about 20 years, adding that the choice of Akwa Ibom for one of their biggest operational bases in the Country was due to the peaceful and enabling environment in the State, and assured that they were ready to abide by the directives of the State Government and to improve, where necessary, their community relations.
