Eno Inaugurates Committee to Resolve Eastern Obolo Crisis
Uko Okon, Uyo
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has inaugurated a tripartite committee to facilitate amicable resolution of the lingering crisis in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area. The Committee involves the State Government, Sterling Petrochemical and Fertiliser Limited (SPFL) and Eastern Obolo Communities. Eno inaugurated the committee on Thursday in his office at Government House in Uyo.
The governor charged the committee to establish the actual land size occupied by SPFL, work with SPFL to get a place for the displaced communities (Ikonta and Obianga), and work with the communities to ensure smooth and peaceful relocation.
He said that the committee is expected to work towards finding a peaceful solution that would enhance peaceful coexistence between the host communities and SPFL.
He said that while the project was vital to the socio-economic advancement of the State and country, it was equally important to strike a balance between the investor’s comfort and the survival chances of people in the host community.
Eno assured the state of continuous peace and security. He charged the committee to be neutral in their dealings in the overall interest of all concerned.
Members of the committee representing government include; Messrs Nse Essien, Udo Kierian Akpan, Ubong Udo Uquang and Abraham Odion.
Others are the Commissioner for Labour and Manpower Planning, the Commissioner for Internal Security, the Commissioner of Police, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning.
On the community side are; Mr Samuel Nteogwuijah, Mrs Selinah Ukpatu, Prof. Gamaliel Harry, Chief Humphrey Oyet, and Mr Sam Ukoima.
To represent Sterling Petrochemical and Fertiliser Limited (SPFL) are; Messrs Amit Gosh, Davinder Mor and Jude Bassey.
The committee has Mr Nse Essien as the Chairman and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning as the Secretary.
The governor directed the committee to present their report within three months.
