The minority Ijaw ethnic nationalities in Akwa Ibom State have expressed dismay over allegations of years of marginalisation in the scheme of things in the state, noting that the government was cashing in on their minority status to shortchange them in appointments and other benefits.
Under the aegis of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) the group stressed the need for full integration and access to the rights and privileges in the state as citizens.
They, therefore, restated their demands on oil companies operating in the area, especially Sterling Global/Natural Oil Field Services (SGNOFS), to award pipeline surveillance and security contracts to the locals as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to the host communities.
The IYC also raised concern over alleged marginalisation of the oil – rich LGA, recalling that for over 10 years successive administrations beginning from the immediate past Udom Emmanuel -led government has yet to appoint any person from the council as commissioner into the State Executive Council (SEC).
In a communique issued in Uyo yesterday, after a meeting held to inaugurate new chapters as operational areas, the group said the demand for the pipeline surveillance contract became necessary following the company’s failure to fulfil its pledge over the years.
The communique, which was endorsed by the IYC Eastern Obolo clan chairman, Comrade Michael Jaja; secretary, Comrade Ezekiel Uneadasi; assistant secretary, Matthew Uraniyok, and 23 others, stated that the anomaly had, over the years, denied youths the opportunity for meaningful engagement and employment.
“At the inception of their operations, Sterling Global/Natural Oil Field Services made a commitment to award surveillance security contract to IYC when the blue print is ready.
“This promise remains unfulfilled, denying our youths opportunities for meaningful engagement and economic empowerment. We demand the immediate award of the surveillance contract to IYC, Eastern Obolo clan, as pledged,” part of the communique reads.
The group also demanded immediate provision of electricity to the communities, establishment of an exclusive Host Community Trust Fund and proper employment of Eastern Obolo sons and daughters in line with the Local Content Law 2010.
On political marginalisation, the youths commended Governor Umo Eno for his timely intervention in the crisis between the company and its host community, which they noted had resulted in the reopening of blocked creeks in the Obianga and Ikonta communities.
