Abia govt urges oil-producing communities to maintain peace

The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ikechukwu Emetu, has urged the people of the Owaza clan in Ukwa West Local Government Area to embrace peace, unity, and transparency in the management of their oil and gas resources.

Emetu made the appeal during a reconciliation meeting involving the four Owaza autonomous communities — Ipu West, Etitioha, Isietitioha, and Igirukwu — held at the Government House, Umuahia, on Thursday.

He explained that the meeting was convened to rekindle the spirit of brotherhood among the people rather than dispute over figures or percentages, emphasising that no amount of mineral wealth could outweigh the value of peace and unity.

The deputy governor reaffirmed the commitment of the Abia State Government, under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti, to promoting peace, justice, and equity across communities.

He recalled that disagreements over the sharing of the 3 per cent Petroleum Industry Act, PIA funds for 2022, 2023, and 2024 had generated tension within the clan, cautioning that resources meant for development should never be allowed to cause division.

Emetu reminded stakeholders of the 2016 resolution approved by former Governor Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, which established a sharing formula of 20:20:30:30 among the four communities, based on production volume and infrastructural presence.

While condemning attempts by some individuals to exploit the situation for personal gain, the Deputy Governor stressed that truth and fairness must prevail.

He further assured that the state government would enforce the provisions of the White Paper and existing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with TotalEnergies and Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) to sustain peace and ensure equitable distribution of benefits.

Speaking at the meeting, Eze Obioma Nwaogu of Etitioha community, and the traditional Prime Minister of Ipu West, Maxwell Nwagbara, among others, commended the Deputy Governor for his commitment to implementing the previous administration’s MoU, pledging to maintain peace in the clan.