.. court orders Mobil, NNPC to pay ibeno Community N81.9 billion damages over oil spillage
The Executive Chairman of Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, High Chief Williams Mkpah, has commended the Judiciary for serving justice for his people in the case between the LGA with Mobil Producing Nigeria Limited and NNPC.
The council boss noted that the Nigeria Judiciary system has proven itself competent by showing that matter of this magnitude can be handled by them and justice delivered credibility which shows the court is the last hope of the common man.
The legal battle was instituted by Obong Effiong Archianga and nine others, representing Ibeno Clan in Akwa Ibom State against the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Mobil Production Nigeria Unlimited, and Exxon Mobil Corporation as first to third defendants respectively. The court held that the claim of the plaintiff succeeds as there was no evidence before the court that the second defendant curtailed flaring of gas, nor carried out any clean-up activity in the community, nor paid compensation for oil spillages from its pipelines.
Addressing the press at the Victor Attah's International Airport, on Monday, High Chief Williams, said "Ibeno local government is a component part of Akwa Ibom State, and as such; victory for Ibeno is equally victory for the State". The Ibeno council boss informed that the legal battle has been ongoing since 2021 adding that the people of Ibeno are proud to say that the faith in which they had in the legal system has come to pass.
On Corporate Social Responsibility, the Chairman said Mobil Producing Nigeria and NNPC have failed. "If i am to rate them on Corporate Social Responsibility, I will score them very very low. This is because for the past Ten years, they have remained adamant to issues affecting host communities with excuses of huge taxation by the Nigerian government and, as a result of that, they kept showing great magnitude of negligence to the host communities" Mkpah said.
Mkpah, urged Mobil to ensure strict compliance to the court judgement given to them or be ready to quit Ibeno LGA. He called on President Buhari to compel the American oil giant to obey the court order by paying adequate compensation just as it was done by Shell Corporation in America.
Responding to a question about his next plan should the companies involved refuse to adhere to the Court's directives by paying his Local Government the sum of N82bn, the Ibeno Council Boss, Mkpah emphatically stated that they would be left with no option than to stop them from operating should they flout the order by the court. "If the companies refuse to cooperate with us in line with the court ruling, we will be left with no option but to stop them from operating in our territory both land and in the sea".
Mkpah, thanked governor Mr. Udom Emmanuel, for giving him the platform to serve his people, while reiterating his commitment to ensure the third tier of government delivers effectively.
"The government of Udom Emmanuel at the third tier has creditably delivered. I am saying so because development is visibly spread across the 31 LGAs in the State". Mkpah added.
Mr. Uleator Asukpa, on his part said "Penality is not only by constitutional measures but, by the spirited effort of God Almighty whom has shown the people of Ibeno mercy with victory". He commended the Chairman and takeholders of Ibeno for their commitment and teamwork spirit, and the legal team for high display of professionalism.
Consequently, the court also awarded N82 billion against the 1st and 2nd defendants.The court ordered that the sum be paid within 14 days or it will attract a post-judgment interest of 8% per annum.
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