Akwa Ibom State Governor, 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 administration will ensure a judicious and amicable resolution of all lingering issues between both parties.
Addressing the people of Eastern Obolo and the management and staff of SPFL shortly after hours of a painstaking tour of the SPFL facility, the Governor said a committee comprising representatives of the government, Eastern Obolo, SPFL, and security agencies would be inaugurated to facilitate a lasting solution to the issues between the communities and the company.
He said the committee would address issues including the Environmental Impact Assessment and the relocation of the people of Obianga and Ikonta, while also ascertaining the actual hectarage occupied by the company and other matters 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 his administration has been very inclusive and that Eastern Obolo has equally benefited from government initiatives such as the one project per local government initiative, roads, compassionate homes, and others. He added that the visit was primarily to obtain first-hand information on the issues raised by the community and to explore ways to ensure lasting peace.
He noted that Akwa Ibom has remained one of the most peaceful and business-friendly environments in Nigeria and urged the host communities to look beyond the current inconveniences they were experiencing, as the presence of the company would create a better future for their children and generations yet unborn.
“Our coming here today should be a relief, give you succor, 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.”
Earlier, the Chairman of Eastern Obolo Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. Samuel Nteogwuijah, appreciated the Governor for his numerous development strides in the area and, in particular, for prioritizing the community by visiting and intervening to ensure peace.
“Your Excellency, we are happy with your intervention in 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 would bring a lasting solution to the issues, as the people were ready to abide by them.
Also speaking, the Paramount Ruler of Eastern Obolo, HRM Uboon Harry J. Etetor IX, and the Chairman of the Eastern Obolo Host Committee, Professor Gamaliel Harry, appreciated the Governor for his visit and his commitment to ensuring lasting peace between the host communities and the company.
On his part, the Managing Director of SPFL, Mr. Mohit Barot, said SPFL has been in Nigeria for about 20 years. He added 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. He assured that they were ready to abide by the directives of the State Government and improve, where necessary, their community relations.
