Chidi Tony| Determined to ensure proper utilization and application of the expected N81.9B oil spill judgment funds, Ibeno community in Akwa Ibom state has set up a 15 man oil spill management committee ahead of the anticipated windfall.
It could be recalled that a Federal High Court in Abuja, presided by Justice Taiwo, in a judgment debt on Monday, June, 2021, ordered Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited(MPNU) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to pay the judgment debt to Ibeno community within 14days and failure of which eight percent interest would be accruable on the principal sum annually.
At an emergency town hall meeting with stakeholders of Ibeno community in his palace penultimate week, the paramount ruler, HRM Owong Effiong Bassey Archianga, said over the years, “multinational oil exploration and production companies have been in conflict with host communities over oil spillages and with consequences of environmental declaration, negative socio-economic impacts, health hazards coupled with pollution of our ecosystem which affects our occupation as fishermen and farmers”.
Inaugurating the committee yesterday in Ibeno, the paramount ruler explained that outside God, man remains the greatest of all creation but good character is what distinguishes men.
According to him, “it is difficult to select, choose or appoint persons into a very sensitive and crucial committee that needs men of integrity and honesty. I hope you would not disappoint me and the people of Ibeno who 26th June, 2021, mandated me to constitute this committee”.
Dishing out terms of reference to the committee, the paramount ruler charged the committee to assist the Paramount Ruler of Ibeno, Ibeno Legal Team to liaise/contact MPNU, NNPC, and any relevant Ministry, Department or Agency (MDAS) to ensure the payment of N81.9 Billion to Ibeno Communities within a reasonable time frame.
He urged the group to ensure that the money is paid into a designated bank account approved by the Paramount Ruler of Ibeno.
He further charged them to ensure proper management, utilization, and appropriation as well as application of the money in the overall interest and welfare of Ibeno people.
Parts of the terms of reference highlighted, “To consult the Paramount Ruler/members of Ibeno Clan Council before taking any major decision or actions.
To make concrete plans and schedules for the disbursement of the money to families, propose and identify people oriented projects for execution when the money is paid.
To keep accurate records of all transactions in respect of the N81.9 Billion for future references and reports to Ibeno General Assembly / Clan Council.
To enlighten the youths on the need to maintain peace before, during, and after the payment of the money.
To perform any other duties which may be assigned to the Committees as need arises”.
The paramount ruler urges youths in Ibeno to remain peaceful as no progress and development can be achieved without relative peace.
Members of the committee include Pastor Udo Edet Udo –Chairman, Archbishop Hanson Ebong -Vice Chairman, Barr. Diamond Akpanika – Secretary, Hon. Inyang Eyo Ita – Treasurer, Chief Okutinyang H. Inyang -P/Rulers’ Rep, Obonganwan Charity Tony Ipom -Women Leader, Mr. Samuel Ekah -P.R.O/Publicity Sec.
Mr. Friday Ebong –Member, Hon. Samuel Ita – Member, Elder Paul S. Akpanowong – Member, Obong Smith Udoeka – Member, Chief Okon Bassey Archianga –Member, Mr. Kingsley Asuquo Asuquo – Member, Mrs. Rhoda Peter Etukudo – Member, Hon. Roseline T. Ekah – Member.
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