The Akwa Ibom State government, through Ministry of Investment, Commerce and Industry, yesterday, demonstrated its commitment to the current industrialization strive.
Addressing a cross section of the host communities of the proposed Coconut Refinery sited in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, the Commissioner for Investment, Commerce and Industry, Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem reiterated the determination of the government to bring the project to reality.
Barr. Enoidem, who was accompanied by some senior staff of the Ministry and the South African consultants to the project, noted that the meeting was to enable involved in the refinery project to come to an understanding in order to forestall situations capable of disrupting the project.
"I had said earlier that this refinery is one of the key projects in the government of Udom Emmanuel. The preliminary cost of the project is 82million Dollars. If you convert that to Naira, you'll know how much it is worth.
"This is one project that will not stand alone. It is expected that besides the 11,000 hectares of plantation, there will be refinery, an industrial pack and other things to compliment it."
The commissioner, who disclosed that the projects requires 20,000 hectares of land, further noted that there have been series of disruptions by the communities since the clearing of the land commenced, adding that it to scuffle over portion of lands.
He commended the member representing the area in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Otobong Ndem for his forthrightness, sincerity and determination to ensure that the people of the area feel the impact of government, saying that Hon. Ndem is a good bridge between the government and the people of Mkpat Enin.
In his brief remarks, Hon. Ndem thanked the state governor, His Excellency, Udom Emmanuel for bringing the project to Mkpat Enin, saying that besides creating employment opportunities for the people of Mkpat Enin, the project will also open the area to development.
The assemblyman, who commended the people for their peaceful conduct during their agitations, further noted that development always comes with a price, urging the people to be ready to make sacrifices in order to attract more developmental projects to area.
He lawmaker called on the people to remain peaceful and co-operate with the government as no meaningful thing can be achieved in the atmosphere of strife, stressing that the state government will look into all their demands and used the medium to canvass for support for the state governor.
Responding, the chairman, Coconut Refinery Land Donors Association, Etidung Raymond Udia noted that people agitated because due process was not followed before the commencement of work at the project site as the government failed to do proper consultations.
"There is piece of land that is under dispute between Mkpat Enin and Eastern Obolo, which has claimed many lives. Presently, the case is in court. The governor had promised that he will use the refinery project to end the dispute by using that land.
"Our only demand is that the government should clear the disputed land so that the lingering crisis between the two local governments will be over and the court case will be withdrawn. That is our common position. Let the government do this so that the project will continue", he said.
Other speakers from the communities corroborated the position of Etidung Udia, urging the state government to demonstrate its goodwill and sincerity towards the people of the area by the land dispute, paying the necessary compensations and other benefits due to the people.
The town Hall was attended by the Mkpat Enin transition committee chairman, Hon. Ephraim Akpan; the project CLO for Mkpat Enin, Odudu Udobia; the clan head; village heads of the 14 host communities of the project; members of council of chiefs; youth presidents and other stakeholders in the area.
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