July 03, (THEWILL) – Determined to ensure proper utilisation and application of the expected N81.9 billion oil spill judgement fund, Ibeno community in Akwa Ibom State has set up a 15-member management committee on the coming payment.
It could be recalled that a Federal High Court in Abuja, presided by Justice Taiwo, in June 2021, ordered Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to pay the judgement debt to Ibeno community within 14 days and failure of which 8 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 degradation, negative socio-economic impacts, health hazards coupled with pollution of our ecosystem which affects our occupation as fishermen and farmers.”
Inaugurating the committee 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 the N81.9 billion 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.
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 -Paramount 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.
