It is instructive to note that Mobil first wanted to site its
operational base at Ibaka in the present Mbo Local Government Area, an
integral part of Oro but was influenced by the Late Brigadier General U.
J. Esuene who was then the Military Governor of the South Eastern
States to relocate to Eket where the Late Governor hailed from. This
relocation marked the beginning of the exclusion of Oro from the sharing of oil benefits.
The Supreme Court judgement of April 5, 2002 was an eye opener as it
revealed that almost one hundred percent of oil derived from Akwa Ibom
State are found offshore. The question is, in which communities are
waters found in Akwa Ibom State?
Secondly, Governors of littoral states including Arc.(Obong) Victor Attah argued that it would be unjust to vest the ownership of oil derived offshore in the federal government when littoral states are the ones suffering
environmental degradation.
Why then is Oro denied recognition in the sharing of oil benefits when the damage done to her environment by oil exploration activities are very visible and mind boggling?
Moreso, in a crude display of ability to pit a people against themselves, only Mbo Local Government Area has been singled out for minimal benefits whereas the remaining four Local Government Areas of Oro also produce oil and are suffering daily from oil exploration activities.
It beats one's imagination how oil spillage and other adverse effects of oil exploration activities affect largely landlocked areas which are recognised by Mobil.
Whereas Oro which has waters is always denied compensation. Why are we keeping quiet in the face of such excruciating injustice? Or why are moves made to seek redress shrouded in secrecy? Our leaders should please explain to us.
(STAY TUNED FOR PART THREE. AGAIN, REMEMBER THIS ARTICLE WAS WRITTEN IN 2004)
By Omen Bassey.
Secondly, Governors of littoral states including Arc.(Obong) Victor Attah argued that it would be unjust to vest the ownership of oil derived offshore in the federal government when littoral states are the ones suffering
environmental degradation.
Why then is Oro denied recognition in the sharing of oil benefits when the damage done to her environment by oil exploration activities are very visible and mind boggling?
Moreso, in a crude display of ability to pit a people against themselves, only Mbo Local Government Area has been singled out for minimal benefits whereas the remaining four Local Government Areas of Oro also produce oil and are suffering daily from oil exploration activities.
It beats one's imagination how oil spillage and other adverse effects of oil exploration activities affect largely landlocked areas which are recognised by Mobil.
Whereas Oro which has waters is always denied compensation. Why are we keeping quiet in the face of such excruciating injustice? Or why are moves made to seek redress shrouded in secrecy? Our leaders should please explain to us.
(STAY TUNED FOR PART THREE. AGAIN, REMEMBER THIS ARTICLE WAS WRITTEN IN 2004)
By Omen Bassey.
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