Seven LGAs Petition Senate

Seven communities in Akwa Ibom State have petitioned the Senate over alleged refusal by the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) to pay compensation on properties, economic trees and crops destroyed to pave way for a 132kv double circuit transmission line in the sate.

The communities are spread in Eket, Nsit Ubium, Nsit Ibom, Etinan, Ibesikpo Asutan, Uyo, and Itu Local Government areas.
They are demanding N5 billion being cost of destroying the crops, economic trees, and structures.

A businessman in the state, Etietop Sunny has also dragged mobil producing Nigeria Unlimited to the Senate for voiding a contract worth $1, 312 229.40.
Sen. Effiong Dickson Bob of Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial District presented the two petitions to the Senate last week.

The communities alleged in their petition that PHCN/NIPP have refused to pay on grounds that “the compensation far exceeded the project cost”
In the petition signed by S.B.U. Inyang, the communities urged senate to note that compensation has been paid in other communities in the federation where similar projects are being sited.

“We are aware that the issue of compensation has been placed at the centre of the proposal by the PHCN/NIPP.

“Argument is that the estimated compensation is greater than the project cost hence the project must be jettisoned by re- conducting the existing old 132kv single circuit line in the state without die regard to the issues of safety, sustainability and acceptability.”

Mean while Ibeno Community, a settlement on the Atlantic shoreline in the state has expressed concern over the health and economic implications of recent oil spill in the area.

Their concern follows the non-commencement of clean- up exercise weeks after the spill.

Major oil firms in the area have denied responsibility for the spill. Ibeno hosts mobil producing Nigeria (MPN) and the community has reported the oil spill to the company.

It was gathered however that the National oil spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) had commenced investigation to unravel the source of the crude oil and the company responsible.

NOSDRA reportedly ordered management of Mobil producing Nigeria operating in Qua Iboe oil field s to clean up the spill while investigation continued.

Residents and fishermen in the area complained that the presence of the deposit was a threat to public health and the economy and aquatic life.

They appealed to Akwa Ibom Government and oil industry regulators to prevail on Mobil to clean up the state in the interest of public safety.

Mr. Stephen Stephen, a resident said:” At least, the oil company should clean up the place as its social responsibility to us; after all, it is within its operational area.”
Public Affairs Office of Mobil declined to pick telephone calls and messages to its Qua Iboe export terminal.