Youths from Eket, Esit-Eket, Onna and Ibeno Local Government Areas, the host communities of Exxon Mobil, on Monday embarked on a warning protest to demand the immediate relocation of the company’s headquarters to Akwa Ibom State.
The youths stated their demands by blocking the gates of the company at its Housing Estate, Eket and the Airstrip entrance with coffins and other traditional warning emblems. Photos of the emblems were shared widely on the social media.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Mr. Joe Etukudo said it is time for the oil company to relocate to Akwa Ibom State in keeping with the presidential directives.
“Today is just a warning protest done in a very civilized manner, we will eventually shut down Mobil’s operation both onshore and offshore if, after 14 days, the company does not take us seriously,” Etukudo said.
The protesters also called on the company to stop being partial in its contract awarding and employment processes so that indigenes of the core oil producing communities and Akwa Ibom indigenes, in general, could also benefit.
