A Civil Society Organisation, Peace Point Development Foundation, PPDF has called on the Akwa Ibom State government and relevant security agencies to launch a probe into alleged human rights infractions and intimidations by military personnel manning the Dakkada Global Oil Palm Limited in Esit Eket local government area of the state
It also called on them to take immediate and decisive actions towards the withdrawal of the personnel from the plantation and replace them with other non-militarized forms of security teams who it claims, respect human rights.
In a statement signed by the Cordinator of PPDF in Akwa Ibom, Comrade Umo Isua-Ikoh and made available to journalists in Uyo on Tuesday, the group said the call followed complaints of economic and human rights infringements on the people allegedly perpetuated by the military personnel.
The statement in parts, “Following an extensive engagement with the community leadership led by the Village Head, Chief Bassey Effiong Bassey, PPDF is compelled to raise alarm over the deplorable conditions in the area and the urgent need for government intervention
“Etebi is not a conflict zone, yet military personnel have been deployed to the area in a manner inconsistent with community protection and civil security standards. Residents report persistent intimidation, harassment, and violence by these operatives who now appear to function as private enforcers within the Dakkada Global Oil Palm Plantation.”
The CSO also called for transparency and accountability in the ownership and governance of the plantation saying the Akwa Ibom State government should account for the revenue the plantation has generated, publish the ownership structure and provide clarity on its partnership with the World Bank or any private entities.
It added, “the government should also make public the revenue sharing formulas, operating agreements, and community benefit plans. It should also engage in meaningful dialogue with the host communities, acknowledge their ancestral land rights, and negotiate community benefits through a legitimate MOU.
“We ask that the government should restore the livelihoods of Etebi community and other host communities by compensating affected households whose palm produce were seized and also create job opportunities for youth within the plantation operations.”