Bassey Anthony, Uyo
Irate youths of Ibeno local government area in Akwa Ibom state have blocked the Eket-Ibeno road which leads to ExxonMobil Qua Iboe Terminal (QIT).
Their grouses, our correspondent gathered, was the non-completion of some portions of the road by the state government and alleged marginalization by ExxonMobil.
The protesters carried placards with various inscriptions such as ”ExxonMobil engage our Youths in the Deepwater project”, “We need light in our community”, “Resuscitate our cottage hospital”.
Others include, “We need good water in our community”, “ExxonMobil clean your environment”, “Our fishermen are suffering because of sea-piracy”, “Why should we suffer in the midst of plenty”, “Re-employ our sacked contract staff”, “We don’t have a light but the government is using our oil to empower other local areas.
Speaking, the youth Chairman in Ibeno, Mr. Christopher Itia, said that the youths were aggrieved due to marginalisation of the state government and ExxonMobil.
“We are their host community but they are not treating us as if we are part of them, the multinational oil company had terminated over 500 contracts staff in Ibeno alone.
Itia decried the lack of potable water and light in Ibeno despite being ExxonMobil’s host community.
“ExxonMobil is here, we don’t have portable water, no electricity, and we are the host community. Ibeno supposed to be in heaven on earth.
The spokesman called on Governor Udom Emmanuel to complete Eket/Ibeno road which had been inaugurated without completion.
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He lamented that sea pirates have stopped fishermen from going to sea, saying that last week, sea pirates stole four outboard engines from fishermen in waterways.
He said that the only cottage hospital in Ibeno was nothing to write about, saying that no doctors, no nurse, and no facility to treat patients.
“We are pleading with Gov. Emmanuel and Federal Government to step into the matter and help Ibeno community.
Reacting, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Ini Ememobong said that their grievances are noted that the governor had not abandoned Eket Ibeno road.
He explained that the state government has not marginalized the youths of Ibeno, saying that every local government has a youth caucus who represents the youths.
He noted that the state government would give out jobs to youths of the state as there are opportunities for engagement in government.
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