Tension is rising in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State as community leaders accuse an Indian company, Sterling Petrochemical and Fertilizer Limited (SPFL), of forcefully displacing over 1,000 households.
The affected communities, led by the paramount ruler, Harry Etetor, have issued a 14-day ultimatum to SPFL, demanding an immediate halt to the alleged displacement plans. They have threatened mass protests and legal action if their demands are not met.
At a world press conference held in Uyo on Thursday, the Village Head of Emere-Oke, Chief Joshua Matthew, condemned the situation, warning that the community would not tolerate continued oppression.
“We Will Not Be Forced Out!”—Community Leaders Speak
Chief Matthew accused SPFL of violating the rights of the indigenous people and failing to address critical economic and environmental concerns.
“We, the Chiefs, leaders of thought, and good people of Eastern Obolo Local Government Area, are deeply outraged over the oppressive activities of Sterling Petrochemical and Fertilizer Limited,” he declared.
He alleged that since the company’s operations began, local residents had been subjected to harassment, intimidation, and destruction of their environment and ecosystem.
“Our land has become a theatre of oppression. If this continues unchecked, over seven gazetted villages will be wiped out, and our people will be permanently displaced,” he warned.
The affected villages include Ikonta, Obianga, Okoroinyong, Egwenwe, Emere-Oke, Iwofe, and Amazaba, which were part of a 1,736-hectare land acquisition under the administration of former Governor Udom Emmanuel in 2022.
However, Chief Matthew insisted that no agreement was reached between the affected communities, the state government, or SPFL regarding any planned relocation.
Demands for Justice and Compensation
The community leaders have presented a set of non-negotiable demands, including:
- Immediate reopening of blocked waterways and creeks to restore free movement and enable residents to continue their fishing activities.
- A halt to any relocation plans, as the people of Ikonta and Obianga refuse to abandon their ancestral homes.
- Payment of $100 million in compensation for environmental damage allegedly caused by SPFL.
“These demands must be taken seriously. If SPFL fails to address them within 14 days, we will deploy all lawful means to seek justice, including peaceful protests,” Chief Matthew stated.
Call for Federal Government Intervention
The crisis has also drawn the attention of national authorities, as the Eastern Obolo leaders have called on the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the National Security Adviser, the Inspector General of Police, and the Nigerian Immigration Service to investigate and prosecute any illegal Indian immigrant working for SPFL in Akwa Ibom.
SPFL Denies Allegations
A senior SPFL official, who requested anonymity as he was not authorized to speak, denied all allegations made against the company.
“The accusations are completely false. We have followed due process in all our dealings with the community and the government,” the official said.
Despite these assurances, tensions remain high in Eastern Obolo, with community leaders determined to resist any attempt to remove them from their ancestral lands.
As the deadline looms, the situation could escalate into a full-blown crisis unless urgent action is taken to resolve the dispute.