Akwa Ibom oil community raises alarm over Assembly’s alleged interference in HCDTF

The people of Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom, one of the major oil-producing communities in the state, have raised the alarm over claims that the State House of Assembly unduly meddled in the Host Community Development Trust Funds, HCDTFs.

This was sequel to a motion brought under Order 3, Rule 1 of the Standing Orders of the State House of Assembly, sponsored by the Member representing Ibeno/Esit Eket State Constituency, Hon. Friday Udobia Udo.

Udo had, during a recent sitting of the House, noted that the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act in August 2021, and the subsequent incorporation of several HCDTs in Akwa Ibom from 2023 for the development of oil-bearing communities, has created displeasure and dissatisfaction among community stakeholders over the approach to project execution and funds management by the HCDTs in the State.

But the people, under the aegis of Ulok Ulok Progressives Assembly (UUPA), in a statement issued by the President, Chief Ekaluo Asuakasi, in Uyo on Monday, countered the House of Assembly resolution, arguing that such a move was antithetical to the development plans for oil community change as enshrined in the PIA.

He described the motion by the lawmaker as a brazen attempt to truncate the excellent performances of the Host Communities Development Trust Fund in the State, particularly in Ibeno LGA.