National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Paulinus Nta, A’IBOM
The main host communities of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited in Akwa Ibom, including Esit Eket, Eket, Onna, and Ibeno local governments, are demanding urgent engagement with the multinational company regarding the sale of assets to SEPLAT Energy Plc.
They warn that without immediate dialogue, a mass protest and potential breakdown of law and order could occur.
In a letter written on behalf of the host communities by the environmental justice and anti-corruption group Network Advancement Program for Poverty and Disaster Risk Reduction (NAPPDRR), and signed by its Chief Executive Officer and President Hon. Emem Edoho, Coordinator for Esit Eket Prince Uwem Edukere, Coordinator for Onna Hon. Kingsley, and Coordinator for Eket Hon. Kingsley Bassey, the group expressed their concerns.
They noted that SEPLAT Energy has already begun the process of taking over Mobil assets in the QIT and other facilities in Akwa Ibom without consulting the host communities.
The group noted that engagement will foster peace and harmony and provide a platform for the host communities to respond to the challenges and opportunities presented by the project.
They also stressed the importance of ensuring compliance with all relevant environmental regulations.
The release stated that if the company does not respond immediately to their demand for engagement, the four core communities would have no option but to mobilise for a mass protest to drive home their demands.
The group believes that this engagement is essential to avoid conflict and ensure that the host communities are adequately considered in the transition of asset ownership.
