By Uko Okon
Citing a promise made by Sterling Global/Natural Oil Field Services, the Ijaw Youth Council has reaffirmed its commitment to awarding a surveillance security contract to the Eastern Obolo clan in Akwa Ibom State.
The council also voiced concerns about perceived marginalization, pointing out that the Eastern Obolo Council has not had representation on the state executive council for more than ten years.
The group claimed that the company’s repeated failure to keep its promise was the driving force behind the demand for the surveillance contract in a statement released in Uyo on Wednesday following a meeting to officially launch new chapters as Operational Areas.
The communique, which was signed by 23 people, including its chairman Michael Jaja, secretary Ezekiel Uneadasi, and assistant secretary Matthew Uraniyok, emphasized how the situation had prevented young people from having meaningful engagement and employment opportunities.
“At the inception of their operations, Sterling Global/Natural Oil Field Services made a commitment to award surveillance security contract to Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) when the blue print is ready.
“This promise remains unfulfilled, denying our youths opportunities for meaningful engagement and economic empowerment. We demand the immediate award of surveillance contract to Ijaw Youth Council, Eastern Obolo clan as pledged” the communique reads in part.
Additionally, it called for the creation of a dedicated Host Community Trust Fund, the prompt supply of electricity to the communities, and the appropriate employment of Eastern Obolo sons and daughters in accordance with the 2010 Local Content Law.
Regarding political marginalization, the youth organization praised Umo Eno, the state governor, for his prompt action in resolving the conflict between the company and its host community, which it said led to the reopening of blocked creeks in the communities of Obianga and Ikonta.
Nevertheless, despite the LG’s significant contributions to Akwa-Ibom State’s growth and development, it voiced concerns about the council’s disregard for appointments to the state executive council and the Niger Delta Development Commission board.
“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 to 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 re-open the Creeks which is on going.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, inspite of our huge contributions to the economic growth of Akwa Ibom state and Nigeria at large. Therefore we demand immediate appointment of a Commissioner from Eastern Obolo oil rich community.” The communique added.
