Youths accuse traditional ruler of mismanaging over N960m

chika ebuzor

November 26, 2015 6:07 AM

Oil spillages have been the major problem in most oil producing communities in Nigeria.

A picture of some protesters. This is for illustrative purposes.

Youths in Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, has accused the paramount ruler of the community, Edidem Akpabio Ukpa, of allegedly mismanaging over N960m.

They said the money was paid to them, as oil spill compensation by Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited.

The leader of the youths, Mr. Sam Akpan, who spoke to newsmen said “Last year, Mobil had little problem with the community based on oil spill. We selected people to confirm the areas where the spill occurred. They did and brought the report which we presented to Mobil for possible compensation.

“When the first compensation of N960m was paid, we took it to our paramount ruler. When we later asked them for our share of the money, they asked us to wait for next one. When the next one came, they asked us to wait for the third one.

“This is the third one; we need our own share now, we cannot leave this place. His wife and the Divisional Police Officer had addressed us on the issue. We told them that the only thing that would make us leave the paramount ruler’s premises is for our own share of the money to be given to us.”

Sometimes, crude oil and refined petroleum are released into water.

chika ebuzor