3 hours ago
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Stakeholders in Esit Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have called for the protection and proper management of resources meant for oil-bearing communities, while also declaring a united political position ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The call was made during a Town Hall Meeting held on Wednesday, where community leaders, political actors, women, youths, and entrepreneurs gathered to discuss development and governance issues affecting the area.
Leading the discussion, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, Special Adviser to the President of the Senate on Media and Publicity, stressed the need for transparency and accountability in managing funds meant for host communities under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
He particularly raised concerns about the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) Fund.
He noted that it is designed to drive development in oil-producing communities and must not be mismanaged.
“We are here to provide a platform for everyone to ask questions, seek answers, and participate in every act of civil and political rights unimpeded,” Eyiboh said.
He added that stakeholders must remain vigilant and ensure that the fund serves its purpose, warning against any form of misrepresentation or governance breach.
Eyiboh also urged relevant authorities to investigate alleged irregularities in the management of the fund, insisting that host communities deserve to benefit fully from resources generated from their environment.
Also, participants openly declared support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senator Ekong Sampson, and the member representing the federal constituency, Hon. Okpolupm Etteh, ahead of 2027.
Speaking earlier, former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Sir Bassey Dan Abia Snr., described the gathering as a people-driven initiative focused on the collective progress of Esit Eket.
“For the avoidance of doubt, this is the Esit Eket stakeholders’ meeting,” he said. “We are overwhelmingly APC in Esit Eket and part of the ruling party in Akwa Ibom and Nigeria. Our agenda is how to move Esit Eket forward and recalibrate its growth paths.”
Other speakers at the event emphasised the importance of unity and inclusive governance in achieving sustainable development.
Former Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Barr. Bassey Essien, addressed participants, while former lawmaker, Hon. Usoro Akpanusoh, called for wider stakeholder engagement to address pressing development challenges in the area.
Representatives from the three zones of Esit Eket also expressed support for the resolutions reached at the meeting.
A women’s representative, Mercy Sam, called for increased inclusion of women in governance and more visible development projects in the community.
On his part, youth representative, Comrade Bassey Bassey Abia, pledged the support of young people for the decisions taken at the meeting, while urging leaders to prioritise the protection of indigenous interests.
Eyiboh, others call for protection of host community resources as stakeholders unite ahead of 2027
