The Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria has slammed the Akwa Ibom State Government for forcing the people of Ibeno to accept relief materials provided by ExxonMobil in the aftermath of a recent oil spill in the area.
The group said in a statement by its Head of Media, Mr. Philip Jakpor, in Uyo on Tuesday that it was shocked to learn from media reports that Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio, summoned the paramount ruler of Ibeno community, Effiong Archianga, and the Ibeno Local Government Chairman, Mr. Henry Nko, and forced the to reverse a joint community decision to reject relief materials from the oil company.
The statement said the reports indicated that Akpabio allegedly threatened to deal with the community if the people stood their ground.
He said, “Ibeno community hosts facilities of Mobil Producing Nigeria, a subsidiary of ExxonMobil. On November 9, 2012, a spill from the Qua Iboe Oil Fields operated by MPN affected the community waters and disrupted the fishing activity of the locals.
“The community had turned down relief materials from the oil firm following the company’s failure to tell the public the truth on actual volumes spilled, carry out comprehensive clean up, after which there will be commensurate compensation.
“ExxonMobil had in a statement admitted its facility caused the spill which it put at some 200 barrels of crude oil, a figure disputed by the community folks.
“The oil firm’s downplaying of the spill volume and impact subsequently caused a stir at the National Assembly when one of its executives who appeared last week before the House of Representatives Committee on the Environment was confronted with testimonies from the host communities contradicting his report of minimal spillage. He allegedly had to apologise on live television for the firm’s shortcomings in handling the spill and misinforming the legislature.
“Community leader in the Iwuokpom fishing settlement, Chief John Etim was quoted as saying members of the community were dismayed by the governor’s order to accept and distribute items against their wish.”