Qua Iboe River bridge: ONNA opposes development without consultation

Qua Iboe River bridge: ONNA opposes development without consultation

As Host Community Development Watch Organisation spits fire

‘THERE WILL BE LEGAL RESISTANCE ON ANY ROAD CONSTRUCTION ACROSS ONNA SECTION OF THE QUA IBOE RIVER WITHOUT PROPER CONSULTATION.’

Stakeholders in ONNA Local Government Area under the auspices of Host Community Development Watch Organisation have resisted the ongoing construction of road and bridge across Qua Iboe River by the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.

NDDC is undertaking the much-talked about most expansive project traverses Ibeno, ONNA and Eastern Obolo Local Government Areas.

It evidently includes a towering bridge stretching 600 meters across the Qua Iboe river, and a 6-kilometer road.

But the people of ONNA Local Government Area “have vehemently opposed the construction of (the) road which will be slicing through Akai Oniong (Ikwe, Ntafre, Ikot Edor Akpabom, Ukpana) and other coastal communities”.

A statement jointly signed the National Coordinator of ONNA Host Community Development Watch Organisation, Comrade Edet Edet and the
National Secretary, Comrade Ifiok Itiaba insisted that the project with “face significant resistance”

When ONNA Development Watch opposes development

“On February 11, 2024, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director, and the Executive Director of projects, Hon. Victor Antai led a team from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to oversee the ongoing construction of what is touted to be the Commission’s most expansive project—a towering bridge stretching 600 meters across the Qua Iboe river, accompanied by a 6-kilometer road.

“For years, the resilient inhabitants of ONNA Local Government Area have vehemently opposed the construction of a road which will be slicing through Akai Oniong (Ikwe, Ntafre, Ikot Edor Akpabom, Ukpana) and other coastal communities that were brazenly annexed and renamed by the Obolo people as their own sovereign territory.

“Fortunately, the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly heeded the outcry for peace in the host communities, ushering in the ‘Akwa Ibom State Map Establishment Law 2023,’ which was championed by Rt. Hon. David Lawrence (Eket) and signed into law on April 13, 2023.

“This legislative feat resoundingly reaffirms ONNA LGA as the rightful owners of the land, bestowing upon them the authority to oversee these territories and the natural resources therein.

“Alas, the NDDC, with flagrant disregard for the native ONNA populace, the veritable stewards of this land who have staunchly opposed the road’s inception for years, now brazenly vows to complete the construction in a show of blatant defiance to suit their whims and caprices.

“Let us be unequivocally clear: the construction of this artery, snaking through Ibeno-ONNA-Eastern Obolo LGAs, sans consultation with the guardians of its legacy and culture, not only tramples upon the rights of its people but also desecrates the hallowed heritage of the Ibibio community, the indisputable proprietors of this sacred soil.

“As a people innately driven by a resolute adherence to justice, we categorically assert that our stance is not one of obstructionism but rather a principled stand against unilateral actions that desecrate our rights and imperil our rich cultural inheritance.

“Going ahead with these project sans our consent is not merely an act of provocation but a grievous affront, potentially beating the echoing drum of enmity and discord.

“We consider it a ploy, orchestrated to severe ONNA Local Government Area from its vital coastal lifeline and the attendant benefits it affords.

“The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) should recognize its role as an interventionist agency funded through Host Community funds.

“It is imperative that the agency engages in thorough consultations and inquiries with local communities prior to initiating developmental projects.

“Any endeavor to undertake projects within communities, particularly in ONNA, without prior consultation with the residents, will likely face significant resistance.

Legal Arsenal

“Let it be emphatically stated that we will deploy every legal arsenal in our possession to pursue justice and rectify this flagrant miscarriage of justice.

“It is imperative that developmental endeavors be undertaken in concert with, and with the blessing of, the communities they intend to impact, fostering an environment of mutual respect and collaboration for the greater good of all parties,” the statement warned.