Red Alert: Over N151 Million Oil Spill money split Communities in Eket
Reports reaching our desk has it that if proper security measures are not taken, a dangerous communal war might be brewing in the oil city of Eket. This is following the approval of the soon to be released oil spill funds to oil producing communities affected by the spillage.
As at press time, our reporter gathered that the sum of N151 million (One Hundred and Fifty One) which is 25% of the total compensation meant to be paid by Exxon Mobil has been divided into N12.5 Million (Twelve Million Five Hundred Thousand) per ward and N14 Million (Fourteen Million) to be shared amongst the youth.
It could be recalled that for some years now, the people of Eket through various bodies and unions had initiated riots in revolt to Exxon Mobil for the damages caused the communities by activities of the company.
If care is not taken, the process of sharing the funds and the projects the monies will be used for in the various wards and villages might ignite a fracas.
For instance, there is no umbrella body for Eket women, the money for the youth will be shared under the umbrella of Eket Youth led by Nduesa, but the question on the lips of many is what formular he will use in sharing the money to the clans that make up the local government.
Furthermore, in the case of Okon people, which make up three (3) out of the eleven (11) clans in Eket, a new leadership was recently elected in a free and fair process which produced Comrade Akaninyene Willie to lead Okon Youth Council, the immediate past President Comrade Daniel Akpan had also gone ahead to plan a parallel election, he and his embittered followers were grounded by security agencies, but he was done the honour to handle collection and sharing of the oil spill money for Okon people which he spent a better part of his tenure fighting for the release of the said compensation.
Same is the case in Onna, the local government area where Governmor Udom Emmanuel hails from, the death of the Paramount Ruler Edidem Akpabio Udo Ukpa is also causing some complications in their sharing formular.
As more details unfold, Security Agencies in the state are hereby compelled to take drastic measures to curb the foreseen menace before the cheque is cleared, and cash released to leaders in these communities.