-laments of marginalisation
The Ijaw Youth Council, Eastern Obolo clan in Akwa Ibom State, has restated its demand for the award of surveillance security contract pledged by Sterling Global/Natural Oil Field Services operating in the area.
It also raised concern over the alleged marginalisation of the Eastern Obolo Council, lamenting that for over 10 years, successive administrations, beginning from Udom Emmanuel, had yet to appoint any person from the council as commissioner into the state executive council.
In a communique issued in Uyo on Wednesday, after a meeting held to inaugurate new chapters as Operational Areas, the group said the demand for the surveillance contract was propelled by the company’s failure to fulfil its pledge over the years.
The communique, which was endorsed by its chairman, Michael Jaja, Secretary, Ezekiel Uneadasi, Assistant Secretary, Matthew Uraniyok and 23 others, emphasised that the situation had denied youths the opportunity for meaningful engagement and employment.
“At the inception of their operations, Sterling Global/Natural Oil Field Services made a commitment to award a surveillance security contract to the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) when the blueprint is ready.
“This promise remains unfulfilled, denying our youths opportunities for meaningful engagement and economic empowerment. We demand the immediate award of the surveillance contract to Ijaw Youth Council, Eastern Obolo clan, as pledged,” the communique read in part.
It also demanded immediate provision of electricity to the communities, establishment of an exclusive Host Community Trust Fund and proper employment of Eastern Obolo sons and daughters in line with Local Content Law 2010.
On political marginalisation, the youth body commended the governor of the state, Umo Eno, for his timely intervention in the crisis between the company and its host community, which it noted had resulted in the reopening of blocked creeks of Obianga and Ikonta Communities.
However, it expressed worries over the neglect of the council in terms of both appointments into the state executive council and into the board of Niger Delta Development Commission, inspite the huge contributions of the LG to the growth and development of Akwa-Ibom State.
“IYC wish to extend our deepest gratitude to His Excellency Pst. Umo Bassey Eno, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, for his timely intervention in the cry of the people of Eastern Obolo LGA on the issue of Creeks closure within the Obianga and Ikonta Communities and has long ordered the Company to reopen the Creeks, which is ongoing. We say Bravo and express confidence in your leadership.
“However, Your Excellency, it’s on record that for over 10 years counting, the people of Eastern Obolo have never been appointed as commissioner in the state and as Board of NDDC, in spite of our huge contributions to the economic growth of Akwa Ibom state and Nigeria at large. Therefore, we demand the immediate appointment of a Commissioner from the Eastern Obolo oil-rich community”, the communique added.
