By: PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
A 331-page book titled: “State Security Management, Hydrocarbon Pollution, Environment and Implications on Human Rights in Nigeria” is due for launch on September 5, 2024 in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State Capital.
The book, written in 22 chapters is co-authored by Ufot Phenson, Ph.D, President General and Emmanuel Bassey, Secretary General of AIbom Oil Producing Community Development Network (AKIPCON).
A statement by AKIPCON General Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Bassey said that the book would serve as an outstanding material to address the rampant insecurity, hydrocarbon pollution, environmental degradation, disruption and damage to sources of livelihood and human rights abuses unleashed on the people of Akwa Ibom State, and indeed Nigeria by the activities of multi-national and indigenous oil and gas companies operating in the area.
According to Bassey, “The book, among other benefits will help in creating enlightenment and educate the public on the harmful economic activities of oil and gas companies operating in the state and proffer sustainable and participatory solutions for the sustainability of our battered environment and socio-economic wellbeing of the citizenry.
“It also carries out comparative global studies of oil and gas related security challenges in other federal states that are producing oil and gas in the world.
“The book treats notable oil spills of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (Exxon Mobil) with attendant damages inflicted on host communities of Eket, Ibeno, Esit Eket, Onna, Eastern Obolo and other Local Government Areas in Akwa Ibom State.
“The book which is a must-read further highlights Shell Petroleum Development Company Ibibio 1 Oil Well in Ikot Ada Udo community, Ikot Abasi Local Government Area which is the hallmark of hydrocarbon pollution in Akwa Ibom State.
“It traces the historical background of SPDC Ibibio 1 Oil Spills of 1997-1999 which prolonged to 2004-2007. It x-rays suppression of compensation demands by the people, negligence in facility maintenance by SPDC, negative effect of the spill, lack of spill control and management, case of adjoining communities and abandoned corked and uncorked oil and gas wells in the Akwa Ibom State and their implications on environment, health and human rights of the people.” Bassey listed.
He added that the strategic role of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in human and environmental protection rights in the Niger Delta Region was also highlighted in the book.
The public presentation and launch of the book would be chaired by the Executive Director, Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN) and 2022 Goldman Environmental Prize (Noble Green Prize) Winner for Africa – Dr. Chima Williams.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno and Arc Victor Attah, the former governor of the state as special guests of honour including other distinguished dignitaries within and outside Akwa Ibom State are all expected to grace the occasion
According to a release by the Secretary General of AKIPCON, Evang. Emmanuel E. Bassey, Prof. Etieben Akpan of University of Calabar, will be the book presenter, while Dr. Udeme Nnana, Progenitor of Uyo Book Club and Lecturer, Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area will be the book reviewer.
The release further stated that Chief Sunny Udonsek, the Obong Uforo 1 of Ibibioland and Leader Oniong Development Union ONNA LGA will be Chief Host.
Fathers of the day will be Akwa Edidem Raymond T. Inyang, Paramount Rulers of ONNA LGA, Edidem (Dr.) Edet Akpan Inyang, Paramount Ruler of Itu and Okuku Okon Udo Ukut, Paramount Ruler of Ikot Ekpene.
The event which is organized by AKIPCON will feature conferment of Grand Patrons to some Paramount Rulers while the Grand Matrons will be conferred on Professor Felicia Edu- uwem Etim, a distinguished Library and Information Service Professional and Mrs. Janeth Amba
The highpoint of the event will be the inauguration of the state executive of AKIPCON and local government coordinating committees in the thirty-one (31) local government areas of the state.
