Eastern Obolo Residents Accuse Sterling Petrochemical of Wreaking Environmental Havoc and Forced Evictions
Uyo, Akwa Ibom State – The communities of Obianga and Ikonta in Eastern Obolo, Akwa Ibom State, have raised serious allegations against Sterling Petrochemical and Fertilizer Limited (SPFL), accusing the company of illegal actions that threaten their ancestral lands, livelihoods, and the environment.
Addressing the media, the spokesperson for the community and the village head of Emereoke, Chief Joshua Mathew Ayagwung, said the disputes stem from the acquisition of 1,736 hectares of land by the Akwa Ibom State Government in 2022, intended for SPFL’s operations. The land was taken from several communities in Eastern Obolo, including Ikonta and Obianga.
The media briefing was attended by the Paramount Ruler of Eastern Obolo, (Rt. Hon). Uboon Harry J. Etetor, village heads of the affected communities, representatives from the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), women’s groups, and the chairman of SPFL communities, Sir G. I. Harry, among others.
Ayagun stated that the acquisition of their lands had been accompanied by unlawful activities, including the forceful closure of creeks, planned displacement of entire villages, and severe environmental degradation.
Illegal Closure of Vital Waterways
A major point of contention is the closure of the Okolo Obianga/Ikonta and Okolo Otuita creeks, which are essential for the survival of the host communities. These waterways are federal navigable routes, serving as the only access points to and from the villages. The statement asserts that despite a court order from the Akwa Ibom State High Court, the creeks were shut down by SPFL, allegedly backed by military personnel and militants.
“The closure has trapped our people, preventing access to markets, schools, hospitals, and other essential services,” stated the community leader. The blockade has already led to a cholera outbreak, which has claimed the lives of at least 20 people in one of the affected communities.
Forceful Displacement Plans
Further allegations center around a supposed plan by SPFL to forcibly relocate the people of Ikonta and Obianga, a move the community asserts they never agreed to. According to the communities, no clause in the tripartite agreement signed with the Akwa Ibom State Government and SPFL in 2022 supports such relocation.
“We have credible information that the company intends to drive us out of our ancestral homes,” the chief warned. “We will resist any attempts to displace us and will take legal action to protect our land.”
The forced displacement would exacerbate the crisis, as residents claim the company has already been poisoning the environment with hazardous substances, causing irreparable damage to the ecosystem, which is central to their livelihoods.
Environmental Impact and Breach of Legal Framework
The residents have also accused SPFL of violating multiple environmental laws. There are claims that SPFL has failed to present an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or an environmental management plan to address the damage caused by its operations. Experts have reported that local fishing, the primary livelihood for the communities, has suffered, and the surrounding ecosystem has been significantly harmed.
Additionally, the company’s activities are said to be inconsistent with global sustainable development goals. There have been reports of severe pollution, including acidic rainfall and surface water contamination.
Violation of Local Content and Employment Laws
The communities have further criticized SPFL for violating Nigeria’s Local Content Law. Despite the law requiring certain jobs to be reserved for local workers, SPFL is accused of employing over 1,000 foreign nationals, primarily from India, for both skilled and unskilled jobs. The company is also said to be awarding contracts to itself through a network of companies, bypassing local contractors.
The influx of foreign workers, many allegedly undocumented, has raised serious national security concerns, the residents argue, with calls for investigations by the relevant authorities.
Failure to Meet Corporate Social Responsibility
The residents also accuse SPFL of neglecting its social responsibilities to the host communities. Despite the company profiting from the land, the communities claim SPFL has failed to provide basic services like clean drinking water and infrastructure.
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Demands for Immediate Action
In response to these grievances, the affected communities have made several demands, including the reopening of the blocked waterways to restore access for local residents.
They also call for an end to plans to forcibly relocate the people of Ikonta and Obianga, as well as compensation for the environmental damage, estimated at $100 million, and for trespassing on ancestral lands.
The residents have given SPFL a 14-day ultimatum to address their demands. Failure to comply, they warn, will result in “peaceful protests and all lawful means” to assert their rights.
Calls for Government Intervention
The communities have called on the Akwa Ibom State Government, the Federal Government, and international organizations to intervene and ensure that SPFL operates in compliance with Nigerian laws and international best practices. The communities also request that relevant government agencies investigate the alleged illegal activities, particularly the presence of undocumented foreign workers and the use of armed groups to intimidate locals.
