A/ Ibom CP warns youths against violence in oil communities

From Isaac Job, Uyo

The Akwa Ibom State Police commissioner, CP Baba Mohammed Azare has warned youths against taking laws into their hands by blocking roads leading to  oil company operational base  whenever there is any dispute.

Azare stated this during a meeting with youths presidents and Secretaries across the 31 local government areas of the state in his office in Uyo, the state capital on Monday.

Azare who attributed  conflict  between the host communities and oil companies to a breakdown of communication explained that there will be no development without peace.

He encouraged  youth leaders to work hand in hand with the police to resolve all disputes adding that the Command would not take it kindly with any group of people who disturb the peace of the land.

“No one should block the free flow of operations of these companies.

“Without development we cannot grow the economy, if  you have any problem inform us immediately, so that we have a common ground to resolve issues amicable

“The factory sited in your community is for empowerment and development of the community and state

He charged the youths to  exhaust all avenues for dialogue  not to resort to violence

“We are ready to partner with you,

going forward we expect that peace reign in all your communities, ”

The police commissioner who met with oil company representatives  said the dialogue became important to ensure an enabling environment for oil companies to operate.

Responding, Justin Obo, the Security Manager at Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited  blamed the community leaders for not involving the youths as contained in  the Petroleum Industry Act which directs oil firms to spend 3 percent of their operation cost on the the communities.

He advised the youths to be conversant with the Act which has taken much of the burden for of Corporate Social Responsibility from the oil companies adding that the youths have not been sufficiently informed about the provisions of the PIA.

” I thank the police commissioner for this meeting . The oil companies would initiate communication avenues to resolve all communal issues “