Okokon Asuquo Okon, national youth president of Effiat Community in Mbo Local Government Area, has accused oil companies operating in the Effiat Ikpoto Community of neglecting their corporate social responsibilities (CSR), leading to years of frustration and agitation among the youth.
Okon, popularly known as Commander Egbu Nkakad, in a chat with newsmen in Uyo, revealed that the community had sent numerous letters to the oil companies and the Akwa Ibom State Government between 2014 and 2022, seeking dialogue on pressing development needs, including clean water, access roads, healthcare facilities, electricity, and youth employment.
Egbu Nkakad who said their appeals were perpetually ignored, leading to a breach of peace in 2023, as the youth took matters into their own hands, which affected the activities of the oil companies operating in the area.
“Our goal was to compel the oil companies and government to come to the negotiation table,” Okon stated. He however praised Tulcan Company for agreeing to the community’s demands and working towards restoring operations.
He recalled the role of the Akwa Ibom State Government led by the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno PhD, through the deployment of the Honourable Commissioner for International Security, and later the SSA to the Governor on Marine Transportation.
According to Commander Egbu Nkakad, the government team interfaced with them through dialogue, thereby recognising their plights, especially in joining hands with security personnel to protect the waterways.
However, he expressed concern that the promised amnesty from the Akwa Ibom State Government is yet to materialise.
The Effiat youth leader called on other oil companies operating in the area, including Monipulo Development Company, Oriental Energy Resources Limited, Antan Producing Universal Energy Conoil, Tenoil, and Amni International, to emulate Tulcan’s example by engaging directly with the Effiat Host Community.
Okokon Okon reaffirmed his commitment to partnering both the Akwa Ibom State Government and the Cross Rivers State Government in combating piracy and ensuring lasting peace in the region’s waterways.
He also extended appreciation to several leaders and stakeholders including Governor Umo Bassey Eno of Akwa Ibom State; the Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Otu; the Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio; and the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, for their roles in restoring peace in the area.
Commander equally thanked the NDDC’s Executive Director Project, Hon. (Sir) Victor Antai; the Mbo Council Chairman, Hon. Sunday Etim; the Director of Tulcan Company; the Mbo Paramount Ruler, HRM Ogwong Okon Asukwo Abang; His Eminence Ahta Ita Edet Okokon, Ahta Oro VIII; the Effiat Clan Head, Obuong Bassey Effiong, and the Amanyanaobo of Okirika Kingdom, King Ateke Tom.
He equally appreciated Barr Asuquo Asuquo Okpo, Barr Inam Okon, Eyo Okon Edet, Etete Abriya, Etebong Akpa, Confident Okpo, Mfon Bassey Okon, Pastor Reuben, Bakasi Defence Force and all the Generals in the Niger Delta, among others.
He also commended the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Cross Rivers State Government, for granting amnesty to him and his team and pledged to work with government agencies to stem privacy prevalence in the waterways.
