The Akwa Ibom Governor, Umo Eno, has called for peace following the growing conflict between the people of Eastern Obolo Local Government Area and Sterling Petrochemical and Fertilizer Limited.
The governor assured the host communities that his administration will ensure a fair and lasting resolution to their grievances.
Speaking after a painstaking tour of SPFL’s facility, Eno announced the immediate formation of a high-powered committee, comprising representatives from the state government, Eastern Obolo, SPFL, and security agencies.
The committee, saddled with examining environmental concerns, overseeing the relocation of affected communities, verifying the company’s land usage, and addressing other critical issues threatening peace in the area, is to also proffer solutions.
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Addressing the people, he said: “Our coming here today should give you hope.
“We have seen the situation firsthand and will work for you.
“The issues at stake must be resolved in a way that ensures justice for the people while sustaining industrial development.”
Recall that tensions in Eastern Obolo had on January 30, 2025 prompted a press conference addressed by their Paramount Ruler, HRM Uboon Harry J. Etetor IX, who issued a 14-day ultimatum to SPFL to address and reverse all the grievances raised or face the wrath of the host communities.
The Obolo people during the interface with the media accused SPFL of forcefully closing federal navigation waterways, displacing communities, and causing flooding, pollution, and deaths.
The Paramount Ruler, it could be recalled, had also lamented that over 20 lives had been lost, while thousands remain cut off from fresh water, medical care, and fishing grounds.
Beyond environmental concerns, the community also accused SPFL of violating Nigeria’s expatriate quota policy by employing over 1,000 undocumented foreign workers.
They alleged that many of the Indian expatriates were secretly smuggled into Eastern Obolo at night, posing a serious security risk.
Additionally, they claimed that local content laws were being ignored, with contracts going to expatriate-owned firms while indigenous businesses were sidelined.
Reacting to their grievances, Governor Eno stressed the importance of peaceful coexistence and assured the people that Akwa Ibom State’s industrialisation efforts would not come at the cost of human suffering.
He appealed to members of the host communities to remain calm as the government works to reconcile all parties involved.
The Chairman of Eastern Obolo LGA, Samuel Nteogwuijah, thanked the governor for taking the swift action, assuring that the community was ready to work with SPFL, provided the company respects their rights.
Also speaking, Selina Ukpatu, member representing Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo State constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, expressed confidence in Eno’s leadership, expressing optimism that the intervention would lead to lasting peace.
Speaking on behalf of SPFL, the company’s Managing Director, Mohit Barot, pledged commitment to abide by the government’s directives and improve its community relations.
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