Esit Eket Demands Accountability from PIA Committee, Calls for new EMOIMEE Leadership 

Esit Eket Demands Accountability from PIA Committee, Calls for new EMOIMEE Leadership 

By Uko Callistus

The people of Esit Eket Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, rose in unanimous outrage to demand immediate accountability from the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) Host Community Committee operating under the EMOIMEE structure, declaring the committee illegal, unaccountable, and completely disconnected from the will and welfare of the people.

At a tense press briefing attended by traditional rulers, women leaders, youth representatives, and community stakeholders, the four-year-old committee led by Mr. Dan Bassey Abia (Jnr.) was accused of gross misconduct, financial impropriety, and unlawfully overstaying its tenure in clear violation of the spirit and provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act.

Speaking on behalf of the Esit Eket Traditional Rulers Council, Obong Oyong Nkpo Eduehe Atai, condemned what he described as the brazen conversion of host community development funds into private wealth. He stated that the Petroleum Industry Act was never intended to enrich a few individuals at the expense of the people, especially widows, orphans, the elderly, and other vulnerable members of the host communities.

He described the actions of the committee as a betrayal of trust and demanded full public disclosure of all funds received and expended, as well as restitution of any misapplied monies.

Speaking for the wives of Esit Eket chiefs, Mma Oyoung Nkpo expressed deep anger and frustration over the total exclusion of women from the benefits of the 13 per cent oil derivation Host Community funds. She said that for over four years, Esit Eket women have not benefited from any empowerment programme, support scheme, or intervention, describing the situation as unjust, unacceptable, and insulting to the dignity of women in the local government.

She therefore, demanded accountability, restitution, and the outright discontinuation of the current EMOIMEE committee.

Representing the youths, Comrade Imaekop Etim said the Petroleum Industry Act, which came after years of agitation and sacrifice by host communities, was expected to usher in relief and development for Esit Eket but has instead become a source of anger and disappointment. He said there have been no scholarships for Esit Eket students, no skills acquisition programmes, and no meaningful youth empowerment initiatives since the committee was constituted, resulting in what he described as a total loss for the people.

Several other speakers accused the committee of persistently refusing to render accounts and called on its members to vacate office and desist from further involvement with Esit Eket host community funds. Some speakers alleged that the committee attempted to induce the Paramount Ruler, His Royal Majesty, Edidem Ubong Assam, with the sum of ₦50 million, an offer they claimed was firmly rejected, while another allegation accused the committee of sharing ₦20 million to cult groups. They said these allegations, whether denied or not, reflect the deep level of mistrust and loss of confidence between the people and the committee.

The aggrieved stakeholders maintained that the actions of the EMOIMEE Committee violate key provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act, including the requirements for transparency, annual reporting, proper application of Host Community Development Trust funds, inclusive development, and respect for tenure limits. They argued that the continued operation of the committee after the expiration of its tenure constitutes a fundamental abuse of the law and the collective will of the people.

The press briefing ended with a united and uncompromising demand for the immediate dissolution of the current PIA (EMOIMEE) Committee, the public presentation of audited financial accounts, full restitution of any misapplied or diverted funds, and the constitution of a new committee that truly reflects the interests, diversity, and aspirations of the Esit Eket people.

The Petroleum Industry Act was enacted to promote transparency, equity, and sustainable development in oil-producing host communities. Stakeholders insist that any structure operating outside these principles is illegitimate and must be urgently reformed or replaced.