The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom Command, CP Baba Azare, has warned youth against indulging in violence, especially in oil producing communities to ensure development in the state.
Azare said this during a meeting with youth leaders and representatives of International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in the state in Uyo on Monday.
The commissioner warned the youth against taking laws into their hands by blocking roads in oil companies whenever there was any dispute.
Azare attributed the misunderstanding between the host communities and oil companies to a breakdown in communication.
He emphasised that there could not be any development without peace.
Azare urged the youth leaders to work hand in hand with the police to resolve all disputes, stressing that the command would not take it kindly with any group of people who disturbed the peace of the land.
The commissioner said that dialogue became important to ensure an enabling environment for oil companies to operate.
“No one should block the free flow of operations of these companies.
*Without development, we cannot grow the economy; if you have any problem inform us immediately, so that we have a common ground to resolve issues amicably.
“The factory sited in your community is for empowerment and development of the community and state,” Azare said.
He urged the youths to exhaust all avenues for dialogue and not to resort to violence
“We are ready to partner with you, going forward we expect that peace reign in all your communities,” he said.
Responding, Mr Johnson Oboh, Security Manager at Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited, blamed the community leaders for not involving the youths as contained under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Oboh noted that the PIA directs oil firms to spend three per cent of their operation cost on the the communities.
He advised the youth to be conversant with the Act which has taken much of the burden of Corporate Social Responsibility from the oil companies.
He promised that going forward the oil companies would initiate
communication avenues to resolve all lingering issues.
