In Akwa Ibom State, the Ijaw Youth Council, or IYC, Eastern Obolo tribe, has reiterated its demand that the local oil servicing company grant the surveillance security contract.
In accordance with the 2010 local content law, it also called for the creation of an exclusive Host Community Trust Fund, the prompt supply of energy to the communities, and the appropriate employment of Eastern Obolo sons and daughters.
In a statement issued in Uyo on Wednesday, after a meeting convened to inaugurate new chapters as Operational Areas, the group said the demand for the surveillance contract was spurred by the company’s inability to fulfill its pledge over the years.
Chairman Michael Jaja, Secretary Ezekiel Uneadasi, Assistant Secretary Matthew Uraniyok, and twenty-three other people signed the statement, which emphasized how the circumstances has prevented young people from having meaningful involvement and employment opportunities.
Additionally, it expressed worry about the Eastern Obolo Council’s claimed marginalization and bemoaned the fact that no commissioner from the council had been appointed to the state executive council in more than ten years of successive administrations, starting with Udom Emmanuel.
The announcement in sections, “At the inception of their operations, Sterling Global/Natural Oil Field Services made a commitment to award surveillance security contract to Ijaw Youths Council, IYC, when the blue print is ready.
“This promise remains unfulfilled, denying our youths opportunities for meaningful engagement and economic empowerment. We demand the immediate award of surveillance contract to Ijaw Youth Council, Eastern Obolo clan as pledged.”
