From Isaac Job, Uyo
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eastern Obolo clan in Akwa Ibom State, has reiterated its demand for a pipeline surveillance contract promised by Sterling Global/Natural Oil Field Services.
In a communiqué issued in Uyo on Wednesday, following a meeting to inaugurate new operational chapters, the IYC, led by Chairman Michael Jaja, Secretary Ezekiel Uneadasi, Assistant Secretary Matthew Uraniyok, and 23 others, stated: “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.”
The group demanded the immediate award of the contract, provision of electricity, establishment of a Host Community Trust Fund, and employment of Eastern Obolo indigenes per the 2010 Local Content Law.
They also raised concerns over political marginalisation, noting that since Udom Emmanuel’s administration, no Eastern Obolo indigene has been appointed as a state commissioner or to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) board, despite the area’s significant oil contributions.
The IYC commended Governor Umo Eno for resolving a creek closure crisis in Obianga and Ikonta, stating, “IYC wishes 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 creek closure within the Obianga and Ikonta communities and has long ordered the company to reopen the creeks, which is ongoing.”
However, they urged, “It’s on record that for over 10 years and 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.”