The Chairman of OrukAnam Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Sunday Festus, has called on Sterling Global Oil Company to engage the Inen group of villages in a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to prevent any breakdown of law and order before oil exploration begins in the area.
The affected communities include Ikot Oko, Ediene Ikot Inyang, Ikot Akpakpan, Ikot Ntuen, Ikot Ekon, Inen Ewere, Etuk Inen, Ikot Inyang, Ikot Akpansek, Warife, Ikot Osute, Ikot Otu, Inen Ikot Ndoh, Inen Ekeffe, Etuk Nkwo, Inen Ikot Offiong, Ikot Obio Idang, Inen Okuruk, Inen Ikot Esse, and Inen Ikot Eteye.
During an unscheduled visit to the communities, Festus emphasized the need for the oil company to provide evidence of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to evaluate the potential environmental consequences of their drilling operations. This comes in response to community outcry for fair compensation regarding farmlands being utilized without consent.
“I urge the youths of the Inen community and all residents of OrukAnam to remain calm and patient as we await the oil firm’s compliance,” Festus stated. He reassured residents that he is committed to ensuring all entitled individuals across the 18 villages receive appropriate compensation and that he will work towards a peaceful resolution.
Inspecting the Sterling Global sites, Festus expressed dissatisfaction over the company’s deployment of heavy machinery on community farmlands without a signed MoU with landowners. He demanded the immediate submission of the EIA report to assess potential impacts on the environment.
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“We cannot allow any project to move forward without prioritizing the well-being of our land and people. I insist on a thorough EIA to safeguard our communities and the environment,” he asserted.
Festus also requested a detailed presentation from the oil company, covering the scope of operations, authorization permits, operational guidelines, and workforce plans for skilled and unskilled labor, stressing the importance of involving local residents in supply contracts.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting natural resources in the area and ensuring fair treatment for all residents. He called upon the youths of Inen community to trust in his dedication to upholding their rights and fostering a cooperative environment.
Youth leader Mr. Aniefiok Ituen expressed appreciation for the chairman’s prompt intervention to prevent conflict with the oil company. “Your presence today has averted potential confrontation. The company invaded our farmlands without any official engagement with our leaders,” he said.
“It is troubling that Sterling Global has not engaged with landowners or discussed any agreements. They are employing divide-and-rule tactics to undermine the community. There has been no MoU signed, and no stakeholder discussions have taken place. All we see is land being cleared without proper legal representation or valuers involved, which is very concerning.” he added.
