From INIOBONG SUNDAY, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare has expressed concern over the build up of tension in oil communities and cautioned youths against taking the law into their hands.
Angry youths drawn from oil bearing communities had poised for war with oil companies, with claims of not being favourably captured under the Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, regime as enshrined in the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA.
Azare stated this during a meeting with youth presidents and secretaries across the 31 local government areas and senior officials of oil companies operating in the state, including Oando, Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria and Sterling Global.
The commissioner, who attributed the misunderstanding between the host communities and oil companies to a breakdown of communication, explained that no development thrives in an atmosphere of strive.
Urging the youth leaders to work hand in hand with the police to resolve all disputes, he stressed that the command would not take it kindly with any group of people who disturbs 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 said.
He urged the youths to exhaust all avenues for dialogue and not to resort to violence.
“We are ready to partner with you. Going forward, we expect that peace reigns in all your communities,” he advised.
Meeting with oil company representatives later, the commissioner said dialogue has become important to ensure an enabling environment for the companies to operate.
Responding, the Security Manager at Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited, Justin Obo blamed the community leaders for not involving the youths as contained under the PIA, which directs oil firms to spend three percent of their operation cost on the communities.
He advised the youths to be conversant with the Act which has taken much of the burden of CSR from the oil companies, adding that they have not been sufficiently informed about the provisions of the Act.
He thanked the commissioner for the meeting and assured that going forward, the oil companies would initiate communication avenues to resolve all communal issues.
