Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on Thursday, inaugurated a tripartite committee to resolve the dispute between Eastern Obolo communities and Sterling Petrochemical and Fertiliser Limited, SPFL.
Speaking at the inauguration in Uyo, Eno said the committee is made up of representatives of the state government, SPFL and Eastern Obolo communities.
He urged the committee to be neutral and strictly adhere to its terms of reference in order to ensure amicable resolution.
“You are to establish the actual land size being occupied by SPFL and also work with SPFL to get a place for displaced residents of Ikonta and Obianga communities.
“The committee is also to work with the communities to ensure smooth and peaceful relocation of the displaced persons,” he said.
Eno said the essence of the committee is to ensure peaceful resolution of the dispute and promote peaceful coexistence between the host communities and SPFL.
“We all know that the activities of the firm is vital to the socio-economic advancement of our state and the country at large.
“We also need to strike a balance between the comfort of the investor and the survival chances of people in the host community,” he said.
The governor listed Nse Essien, Udo Kierian Akpan, Ubong Udo Uquang and Abraham Odion as some of the state government’s representatives on the committee.
Others are the Commissioners for Labour and Manpower Planning, Internal Security, Police and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning.
Mr Samuel Nteogwuijah, Mrs Selinah Ukpatu, Professor Gamaliel Harry, Chief Humphrey Oyet, and Mr Sam Ukoima are to represent the host communities.
To represent SPFL on the tripartite committee are Amit Gosh, Davinder Mor and Jude Bassey.
Eno said Mr Essien would serve as the committee’s chairman, while the permanent secretary, Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning, would serve as secretary.
The governor urged the committee to submit its report within three months.
It would be recalled that the people of Eastern Obolo and SPFL have been involved in a lingering dispute over alleged issues of land acquisition, unfriendly environmental activities and displacement of residents.
