A pan Ijaw group, Movement for the Survival of Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND), has issued Exxon Mobil a 14-day ultimatum to stop all operations in Akwa Ibom State, for appealing the N82 billion High court judgement.
DAILY POST, gathered that the High court judgement ordered the oil company to pay N82billion to communities in Ibeno Local Government areas and environs, affected by its oil spillage or face the wrath of the group.
According to a statement signed and issued to DAILY POST on Monday by Vice Chairman of Akwa Ibom state, chapter, Mr. Patrick Ukpe Afaiko, the group said it is saddening to observe that ExxonMobil rather than paying for the great damage it has done to the aquatic life, choose to spend all that sum going from one court to another in order to evade payment.
He said ” After a consultative meeting of MOSIEND with major stakeholders where the national executive was ably represented by the national organizing secretary, comrade Dimieari Pepple, the vice chairman, Akwa Ibom Chapter, comrade Patrick Ukpe Afaiko and various clans executives; it was found that ExxonMobil has appealed against the judgment of the High Court which directed that it should pay 82bn to communities in Ibeno LGA and environs that were affected by its oil spillage some years ago.
” It is more saddening to note that ExxonMobil rather than paying for the great damage it has done to our aquatic life, choose to spend all that sum going from one court to another. It is glaring the insidiousness of ExxonMobil for its inapproachable disposition depicted in the wanton sack of workers who are indigents and the keeping of all major contracts and sharing same amongst its executives is insensitive, ruthless, oppressive and treacherous as can be seen in all its policies and activities towards the host communities and catchment areas over the years.
“It is based on these and more that MOSIEND in it decisive resolution agreed never to fold its hands and watch ExxonMobil proceed with its habitual and clandestine manner of damaging our land and aquatic life without quantum compensation”.
The group said, “Based on the above understanding, MOSIEND in its decisive resolution agreed never to fold its hands and watch ExxonMobil proceed with its habitual and clandestine manner of damaging our land and aquatic life without quantum compensation.
“Consequent upon this mischievous approach of Exxon Mobil, MOSIEND hereby gives 14 days ultimatum to Exxon Mobil to stop work and other activities pending when the case in appeal court is determined.
“ExxonMobil should, as a matter of concern, abide by this order to avert the unforeseen consequences of actions that will follow. MOSIEND will not tolerate this callousness anymore”.
The group said failure to comply with the 14 days ultimatum which would expire on the 8th day of August, 2021, MOSIEND would mobilise its units, clans, chapters, national and sister ethnic organisations including militants alike to shut down ExxonMobil operations at the Eket Terminal, ensuring that nobody enters into the company.
The group urged all local and foreign workers to vacate the terminal for their own safety and called on the governor of Akwa Ibom State Udom Emmanuel, minister of state for petroleum resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, the immediate past minister of state for petroleum resources Dr Ibe Kachikwu and Mr Odein Ajumogobia (SAN) who are illustrious sons of the region to prevail on the company to as a matter of urgency engage the local government, the king and good people of Ibeno that are grossly affected for discussions and prompt compensations.
“ExxonMobil should, as a matter of concern, abide by this order to avert the unforeseen consequences of actions that will follow. MOSIEND will not tolerate this callousness anymore. Failure of this cruel company to comply with the 14 days ultimatum which will expire on the 8th day of August, 2021; MOSIEND will mobilize it’s units, clans, chapters, national and sister ethnic organizations including militants alike to short down ExxonMobil operations at the Eket Terminal, ensuring that nobody enters into the company. “We want to use this platform to urge all local and foreign workers to vacate the terminal for their own safety. He who is down, fears no fall. We can no longer stomach their devilish treatment
