Governor Akpabio moves to resolve oil spill face-off

The State Governor, Chief Dr Godswill Obot Akpabio has assured the restive communities in Ibeno and Esit Eket affected by the oil spill that the contentious issues will be resolved as soon as possible.

Speaking through the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Prince Enobong Uwah, who visited the area to interface with the youths of the community, Governor Akpabio appealed for calm, noting that all complains by the communities against Exxon Mobil has been noted and will be addressed in a meeting slated for Wednesday, July 10, 2014 so that amicable and lasting solutions will be proffered for the problems.

Prince Enobong Uwah who commended the angry youths for their show of restraint and co-operation, with him and vacating the Mobil Air strip and other facilities which they had occupied and blockaded. Commissioner Uwah observed that, their grievances can only be addressed in an atmosphere of peace and security and not when there is strife and lawlessness which he said will earn nothing.

He reassured the communities of the state governors determination and commitment to making oil producing communities and the oil companies operating there to interface and work in harmony for the growth and development of those areas in particular and the state at large, and assured that, the major road projects initiated by his administration in the area will be pursued to a logical end.

Prince Uwah also commended the Council Chairman of Esit Eket, Hon. Ibanga Etang and his Ibeno counterpart, for his sagacity in managing the crisis and ensuring peace in the area.

In a related development, Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Mr Udom Gabriel Emmanuel has appealed for calm as the State Government is working seriously to ensure sustainable development and confidence building in the oil producing areas. The SSG who dropped the hint in a telephone chat pledged the dedication of Governor Akpabio to making all parts of the State develop at a reasonable pace, emphasized that, the case of the unfortunate oil spill is a matter very dear to the heart of Governor Akpabio and added his voice to the call for the people to remain law abiding and patient as respite will soon come their way. He called for continued support for the state governor from the citizens of the state so that his noble visions for the state can be actualized