Akwa Ibom Oil Community Threatens Lawsuit Over Disputed NDDC Project

The oil-bearing community of Ete in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has dismissed as misleading claims that the Ete,Okopedi Road project was executed by Ibom Developers FZE, warning that legal action will be taken if the attribution is not immediately retracted.
The community reacted to a statement credited to Mr. Aniekeme Finbarr, spokesman of Sterling Global Ltd,a petrochemical and fertiliser processing company prospecting for oil and gas in the area—titled “How Ibom Developers FZE Turned Ete Junction,Okopedi Road From Peril to Smooth Ride.”
The Community leaders described the claim as unverified and false, prompting strong opposition.
Aggrieved leaders, elders, and stakeholders of Ete accused the firm of failing in its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) obligations to the host community.
Instead, they alleged, the company deployed heavy-duty trucks and equipment that further damaged the road, which they insist was originally constructed by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in the early 2000s.
Speaking under the aegis of the Ukpum Ete Unity Association (UEUA), the community leaders described the claims by the petrochemical company as a blatant falsehood capable of deepening the existing disharmony and mistrust between the community and the firm since its arrival in the area.
In a communiqué signed on Wednesday by the UEUA President, Mr. Eno Ebenezer Etukakpan, and the Secretary-General, Hon. Emmanuel Ekwere Akpan, the community called for the immediate withdrawal of what it described as “a false narrative aimed at misleading the general public.”
“We categorically dispute the claim made by Mr. Aniekeme Finbarr, spokesman of the company, which is misleading and false. His assertions appear to be motivated by personal or corporate interests linked to Sterling Petrochemical Company.
“There is a clear distinction between political propaganda and genuine Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Not everything should be politicised. This falsehood amounts to an insult to the sensibilities of the Ukpum Ete Clan, and we will not take it lightly.
“The Ete–Okopedi Road was constructed in the early 2000s with funding from the NDDC and was facilitated by the late Commissioners U. M. Akpan and Nsima Etukakpan, with execution by JCC Construction Company.
“The purpose of the road was to provide easy access for our women to farms and fishing settlements. It was never designed to accommodate heavy-duty trucks.
“Sterling Petrochemical’s operations, including the movement of heavy trucks and reckless driving, have significantly damaged the road. The minor patchwork carried out by the company cannot be equated with the construction of a 14-kilometre road.
“Sterling Petrochemical has a poor CSR record in Ukpum Ete Clan. We urge the public to disregard these false claims and demand their retraction within seven days. Failure to do so will leave us with no option but to seek redress through legal action,” the communiqué stated.