The five coastal local governments in Akwa Ibom State which makes up Oron Nation are seeking protection of ex-agitators against pirates and other criminals.
Comprising Oron, Udung Uko, Mbo, Okobo and Urue-Offong Oruko under the auspices of Oron Union, the group through their President-General, Sir Essang Nsa Bassey at a news conference complained bitterly of the menace of pirates in Oro Nation.
Sir Bassey appealed with the state and federal governments to allow ex-militants support government security agencies in combating piracy in Oro Nation.
“Just like the Federal Government engaged Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Tantita Firm, to police waterways of Niger Delta against pipeline vandals and oil thieves on high seas, the same should be done in Akwa Ibom State.
“I recall that ex-militants from the state, particularly the ones from Oron Federal Constituency, approached me and suggested that they should be allowed to combat pirates on our waters.
“I think the state government can use them to protect our maritime corridor from these criminals, who have made life unbearable for us.
“If this is not done, the blue economy potential will remain a mirage. Therefore, we are appealing to the federal and state governments to think towards this.” Bassey said.
The President-General also frowned at his perceived marginalisation of the Oro by successive administrations in the state.
“Successive administrations in the state have robbed Oro people of development over the years in terms of strategic infrastructure and key projects, especially the major Uyo- Nsit Atai road traversing Oro.”He lamented.
According to Sir Bassey, politics of exclusion could be seen in failure of both the state and federal government to implement the Ibaka Deep Seaport project, whose original status and nomenclature had been altered to become Ibom Deep Seaport.
