The Executive Chairman of Udung Uko Local Government Council, Hon Okon Esin Oku, has faulted a misleading report published in some news platform with a caption, “War in Udung Uko Community.”
Reacting to the story, the chairman said that the news, was not only concocted with a sensational headline, but over blown to smear the peaceful and hospitable nature of Udung Uko people.
Hon Okon Oku stated this while speaking with this reporter on the alleged crisis between Amalgamated Oil Company of Nigeria, AMOCON, and the host community.
The Council Chairman, who expressed his displeasure over the said media report, reiterated that Udung Uko and its people are known across the State as peaceful, hospitable and law abiding citizens of Akwa Ibom.
He warned that no individual or group of persons should attempt to portray or drag the good and peaceful image of the local government into the mud for political or selfish interest.
The council helmsman said the perceived disagreement between Amalgamated Oil Company of Nigeria and the host community which was brought to his notice, was being addressed by the local government administration under his leadership.
He was optimistic that the process would proffer a lasting and amicable solution that would continue to promote the existing peace in the area, and engender the progress and development of the council.
According to him, his administration has in the course of addressing the issue, liaised with the traditional institution, the youths and the oil company, with a view of resolving whatever differences for the interest of peace, progress and development of the area.
Hon Okon Oku expressed disappointment that while frantic efforts by stakeholders in the local government were ongoing to resolve whatever differences between the affected parties, some individuals, perhaps for their selfish, frivolous and pecuniary interest, were busy demarketing the entire local government area by insinuating spurious and false media reports that do not reflect the true situation of things in area.
The council boss, who frowned at the false media report for portraying some sections of the council as violence prone, maintained that at no time was any part of the local government council as mentioned in the report was at war with any group, organisation or company as alleged.
While advising traditional rulers in Udung Uko to continue to play their fatherly role at all times in resolving issues of communal interest within their domain and not to allow themselves to be used by selfish individuals or group of persons to advance their personal interest.
He urged the general public to disregard the false media report, as such does not in any way reflect the true position of things in the area.
