Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has given the assurance that he will create necessary logistics to ensure the prompt relocation of international oil companies to their operation base in the state.
Governor Emmanuel who spoke with Government House correspondents said he was negotiating with some foreign partners towards building a befitting office complex in the state for such purpose.
“I know some of them the way they structure their balance sheet, they don’t want to own huge assets in terms of buildings but I am going to do something that they cannot actually refuse,” he said.
The governor who was reacting to the demonstration by youths in Eket at the Mobil facilities in the area, advised them to sheath their sword as he worked out better modalities for their desires to be achieved.
Governor Emmanuel said he shared in their sentiment for the oil company to relocate, stressing that he appreciated “what they are fighting for, but I think their approach is not the right one.”
He added: “I will try and talk to the youth leaders and see how we can use a different approach to still achieve the same result. You know I am in the forefront of calling on IOC’s, all of them should relocate to the communities they are operating from.”
A day’s warning protest organised by the foremost socio-cultural organisation in the core oil communities, Afigh Iwaad Ekid on Monday, almost paralyzed activities of the company as a total of five coffins were placed at the gates of the company at the Mobil Airstrip, Marina Road Junction leading to the company’s tank farm and at the company’s Housing Estate all in Eket.
Speaking on behalf of the socio-cultural group, Mr. Joe Etukudo said, “It’s time for Mobil to relocate to Akwa Ibom State, in keeping with the directives of the presidency.”
Etukudo blamed the oil giant for treating the relocation of its headquarters relocation issue with disdain because of the peaceful disposition of Akwa Ibom State.
