EKET (AKWA IBOM) - Normal operations have resumed at the Qua Iboe oil terminal operated by Mobil Producing Nigeria (MPN) in Ibeno, Akwa Ibom, after protest by host community’s youths.
This was contained in a statement signed by Mrs Gloria Essien-Danner, Mobil’s Executive Director, External Relations and made available to newsmen in Eket.
Reports say that youths and fishermen from Ibeno blocked the Eket-Ibeno road leading to the oil facility to press for compensation for oil spills from the Qua Iboe oil fields.
The blockage prevented oil workers at the administrative building of the terminal housing crude processing facilities, tank farm and offices from having access to their duty posts.
It was learnt that it took the intervention of the Paramount Ruler of Ibeno Council Area, Chief Effiong Archianga, to address and disperse the protesting youths and fishermen.
Mobil Producing Nigeria, an affiliate of U.S. oil firm, ExxonMobil, restated its commitment to safety of lives and property in its operational communities.
“Mobil Producing Nigeria (MPN), operator of NNPC/MPN Joint Venture, confirms that calm has returned and normal operations restored at our Qua Ibo Terminal (QIT).
“This followed a demonstration on Monday, Aug. 30, 2010 around the QIT facility by some youths and fishermen in Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State.
“The youths and fishermen were agitating for payment of compensation over an oil spill incident,” the statement read in part.
Reacting to the development, Rev. Samuel Ayadi, the Chairman, Artisanal Fishermen Association of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom Chapter, said that the protest was caused by rumours making rounds in the community.
The rumours making rounds had it that the oil firm had paid compensation to some people in the community, he said.
“Our members did not participate in the said protest, some misinformed people thought that Mobil has paid some people.
“So, the traditional ruler had to call the boys to order and assured them that Mobil has not paid anybody.
“We are not happy with the delay in the payment of compensation and we urge Mobil to fast-track the process and bring relief to all affected people without further delay,” Ayadi said.
MBN had in a statement issued on May 2 confirmed that there was an oil spill from its Quo Iboe oil fields in the Atlantic Ocean on May 1, which allegedly affected more than 600 fishermen in the coastal communities in Akwa Ibom.
The affected fishermen had demanded a compensation of N600 billion from the oil company.
But after the mediation between MBN and the host communities brokered by the Akwa Ibom Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, Mobil accepted to fund community development projects worth N2 billion in the area as a palliative measure.
But the host communities are divided over the proposed fund.
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