Following Seplat Energy Company’s acquisition of ExxonMobil’s onshore oil and gas assets, including the Qua Iboe Export Terminal, the Ekid People’s Union (EPU), representing the people of Eket and Esit Eket Local Government Areas, has called for an urgent meeting with the company.
In a letter from Akpadiaha Ebitu & Co. (Covenant Chambers), solicitors to the Ekid People’s Union, addressed to Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, Chairman of Seplat Energy, the community welcomed the company but warned against dealing with imposters posing as landlords of the Stubbs Creek Forest, where the terminal is situated.
The letter emphasized the Ekid people’s legal ownership of the land, citing a 1918 Privy Council judgment. It stated:
“We are solicitors to Ekid People’s Union, who are the lawful landlords over the Stubbs Creek Forest and on their instructions, we write in respect of the above-captioned subject matter.”
The letter further noted that Seplat had not extended the courtesy of engaging with the community as landlords since the acquisition. The Ekid People’s Union made the following demands:
1. Recognition of the Ekid people as the rightful landlords of the Stubbs Creek Forest, as upheld by the 1918 Privy Council judgment.
2. An urgent meeting with Seplat’s management to address potential areas of conflict, including rents.
3. A warning for Seplat to avoid imposters claiming ownership of the land.
4. A commitment to fostering a peaceful and mutually beneficial relationship between Seplat and the Ekid community.
The solicitors assured Seplat of the Ekid people’s peaceful disposition and readiness to provide supporting documents to substantiate their claims.
The letter concluded by congratulating Seplat Energy on its acquisition and welcoming the company to the Ekid people’s domain.
This development highlights the need for dialogue between Seplat Energy and the Ekid people to ensure a harmonious and collaborative relationship as the company begins operations in the region.
