Ibeno, an oil-producing community in Akwa Ibom, has rejected relief materials presented to it by Mobil Producing Nigeria, to cushion the effect of the recent oil spill in the area.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the oil company had, a few days ago, announced that it would send relief materials to communities impacted by the Nov. 9, oil spill from its facilities.
Many communities in nine local government areas in the state were affected by the spill and it was learnt that Mobil had distributed the relief items to more than 90 per cent of the affected area.
But Ibeno community turned down the gift on the grounds that the company said that it was donating the materials “on humanitarian ground and not because it is liable for the spill”.
According to Chief Ukott Esenem, head of the community, the oil company said that the donation of the relief materials to us did not necessarily mean that it is responsible for the spill.
“If they are now claiming that they are not liable for the spill, it means that something is wrong somewhere”, Esenem said
He added that it was wrong of the company to distance itself from the spill, and stressed “besides they sent only 60 bags of rice and some other items to the entire Ibeno local government area”.
He lamented that the area was a major host to Mobil, adding that thousands of fishermen in the area had had their businesses disrupted by the incident.
“What Mobil has done by that claim is offensive to us and we have communicated our decision to them that it was not acceptable. And, we have asked that the relief materials should be returned to them”, he stated.
Mobil, had in a statement by its Communications Manager, Mr Nigel Cookey-Gam, said that the items were meant to provide temporary relief to the spill victims.
“Mobil has finalised plans to provide foodstuffs, water and other amenities to some coastal communities to help ameliorate temporary inconveniences they may have experienced.
“We are doing this to promote good neighbourliness”, the statement had said.
Contacted on the rejection of the relief materials and issue raised by the community, Mobil’s Public Affairs Manager at Qua Iboe Terminal, Mr Akaninyene Esiere, declined comment. (NAN)