Akwa Ibom CSO Demands Action Over Dakkada Global Oil’s ‘Unacceptable’ Practices
By Ekemini Simon
A civil society organization, Network Advancement Program for Poverty and Disaster Risk Reduction (NAPPDRR) has written to Governor Umo Eno, expressing strong objections to the hijacking and “unacceptable practices” at the Dakkada Global Oil Limited by Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP).
TheMail Newspaper had earlier exposed some controversial practices taking place at the company.
The organization demands immediate redress for the negative impacts of the company’s actions on the six host communities.
The NAPPDRR cited several grievances including the lack of a clear plan to revitalize the industry, exclusion of host communities from decision-making processes, and harassment by military personnel deployed to protect the company’s palm fruits.
The organisation’s letter shared with TheMail Newspaper said that the current arrangement, where AKICORP has allowed Dakkada Global Oil to focus solely on palm fruit harvesting and sales without a measurable revitalization plan or meaningful engagement with host communities is unacceptable.
“We demand that AKICORP and Dakkada Global Oil Limited take immediate action to address these grievances,” the organization stated.
The demands include developing a comprehensive plan to revitalize the industry, engaging with host communities in a meaningful and transparent manner, and withdrawing military personnel from the company.
The NAPPDRR warned that failure to address these grievances would lead to legal action and a public awareness campaign to expose the injustices and human rights abuses perpetrated against the host communities.
“If AKICORP and the Akwa Ibom State Government fail to address these grievances, we will be forced to take legal action and launch a public awareness campaign,” the organization stated.
According to the letter, Governor Umo Eno has been urged to prioritise the needs and well-being of the host communities and work towards a more inclusive and sustainable development model within 30 days.