Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has inaugurated a tripartite committee to resolve the dispute between Eastern Obolo communities and Sterling Petrochemical and Fertiliser Limited (SPFL) on Thursday.

Speaking at the inauguration in Uyo, Mr Eno said that the committee was made up of representatives of the state government, SPFL, and Eastern Obolo communities.

He urged the committee to be neutral and to strictly adhere to its terms of reference to ensure amicable resolution.

He said, “You are to establish the actual land size being occupied by SSPFL and to also work with SPFL to get a place for the displaced residents of Ikonta and Obianga communities. The committee is also to work with the communities to ensure smooth and peaceful relocation of the displaced persons.’’

Mr Eno added that the essence of the committee was to ensure peaceful resolution of the dispute and to promote peaceful coexistence between the host communities and SPFL.

He said, “We all know that the activities of the firm are vital to the socio-economic advancement of our state and the country at large. We also need to strike a balance between the comfort of the investor and the survival chances of people in the host community.’’

The governor listed Nse Essien, Udo Kierian Akpan, Ubong Udo Uquang, and Abraham Odion as some of the state government’s representatives on the committee.

Others are the Commissioner for Labour and Manpower Planning, Commissioner for Internal Security, Commissioner of Police, and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning.

Samuel Nteogwuijah, Selinah Ukpatu, Gamaliel Harry, Humphrey Oyet, and Sam Ukoima are to represent the host communities.

To represent SPFL on the tripartite committee are Amit Gosh, Davinder Mor, and Jude Bassey.

Mr Eno said that Nse Essien would serve as the committee’s chairman while the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning would serve as the secretary.

The governor urged the committee to submit its report within three months.

Recall that the people of Eastern Obolo and SPFL have been involved in a lingering dispute over alleged land acquisition, unfriendly environmental activities, and displacement of residents.

(NAN)