Akwa Ibom: Mbioto community protests neglect by oil firms

Efiat Mbioto and Mbioto Ekpene Ituen, under Mbioto Community in Etinan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, protested against National Oil Services Limited (NOSL) and Sterling Global Limited’s decision to commence operations without proper consultation, negotiation, and consent.

During a peaceful demonstration, community leaders and youths accused the firms of not accepting Community Liaison Officers (CLOs) chosen by traditional rulers and the community.

Etteidung Morrison Ekpene, village head of Efiat Mbioto, described the oil exploration project as a welcome development but accused the oil firms of snubbing the community.

“I wish to say that Sterling Global and its partners have not negotiated with me as the village head of Efiat Mbioto. No one has informed me about the project’s details. The family heads and youths have also been sidelined.

“There is no Memorandum of Understanding between us and the companies. As the host community, we will be held accountable for whatever happens here. We are not against development, but we want it done properly.”

Etteidung Ekpene frowned at the companies’ rejection of the CLO chosen by the community. “The two CLOs, Hon. Kenneth Kenneth for Mbioto Ekpene Ituen and Hon. Adam Akpabio for Efiat Mbioto, were duly selected and presented to the Paramount Ruler, who endorsed their selection. Letters of appointment were also presented to them. Our choice must be respected, and this issue should not be politicized.”

Obong Oliver Ekandem (Atauko Ibibio), chairman of the forum of family heads in Mbioto Ekpene Ituen, hailed the oil firms for investing in his domain, saying its peaceful and hospitable nature always attract visitors.

However, he cautioned that due process must be followed to sustain the peace and stability enjoyed.

“We are not violent people. Mbioto Ekpene Ituen is always accommodating. Once a good visitor comes here, we treat them as our own. Sterling Global and NOSL are our visitors, and they must act as good visitors.

“They have to prove that they are here to help us, not to insult or undermine us. We have to know exactly what they are coming to do.”

Etteidung Morrison Ekpene

Obong Ekandem thanked community members, especially the youth, for conducting themselves peacefully.

He called on relevant authorities, especially the Akwa Ibom State Government, to intervene in the matter. Youth and women representatives concurred with the traditional rulers’ position.

Engineer Adume, responding on behalf of Sterling Global, promised to communicate the community’s demands to the company’s management.

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