SECURITY

AKWA IBOM POLICE COMMISSIONER HOLDS TALKS WITH CEOs, YOUTHS TO RESOLVE CONFLICT 

By Julius Nsikak, Uyo

CP, Azare 

The Akwa Ibom State Police Commissioner, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has urged youths in the state to refrain from taking the law into their own hands, as this can hinder meaningful development. 

He made this plea during a meeting with youth leaders from across the 31 local government areas at the police headquarters in Uyo. CP Azare attributed the disputes between host communities and oil companies to a breakdown in communication and emphasised that development cannot occur without peace.

He encouraged the youth leaders to work closely with the police to resolve disputes and warned that the command would not tolerate any group disrupting the peace. 

"No one should obstruct the operations of these companies," he said. "If you have a problem, inform us immediately so we can resolve issues amicably. The factories in your community are for empowerment and development."

CP Azare also met with representatives of oil companies, stressing the importance of dialogue in creating an enabling environment for their operations. 

Justin Obo, Security Manager at Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited, responded by blaming community leaders for not involving youths in decision-making, as required by the Petroleum Industry Act. 

He advised youths to familiarise themselves with the Act, which has shifted the burden of Corporate Social Responsibility from oil companies. 

Obo thanked the Police Commissioner for the meeting and assured that oil companies would initiate communication channels to resolve communal issues.