By Jeremiah Archibong
The National President, Core Oil Producing Communities in Nigeria, Chief Francis Eno (JP) has called on the Cross River State Governor, Senator Ben Ayade to call the United Cement Company of Nigeria, UNICEM to order.
The call was made in Calabar while speaking to newsmen on the deplorable state of the Calabar- Akpabuyo and Calabar-Akamkpa roads.
According to him, “I felt bad when I saw the state of the roads plied by UNICEM. It is not fair a company like UNICEM can’t make the road standard, its operation is aided by the roads, being in such bad condition, they are supposed to repair it or at least make it conveniently motor-able because it is currently bad, if one truck gets trapped there, nobody passes.
“This shows that the youths of the host communities are peaceful because it is difficult to find a community that has a company like UNICEM and their roads are as bad as this you still have peace. The water is not good at all. The company is supposed to sink boreholes, furnish the palace of the paramount ruler as well as give special packages to the community openly at every end of the year.”
He further share the blame with the government and urged them to call the company to order, “the government is not helping either, I’m appealing to Governor Ayade to call UNICEM to order now that there is time and peace. Their trucks contribute to the deplorable state of the roads.
“I don’t think the small vehicles are the cause but their trucks. They are supposed to call these companies and talk to them about these roads; I believe Governor Benedict Ayade will do that by God’s grace. The company has to pacify the community for the peace they have enjoyed from them so far which is good for their business as without peace business would have not been okay”.
“It is not only the community that stands to benefit if UNICEM maintains the road, it will boost their business as well. They have become part of the community, so they should take care of it. It is shameful the way the paramount rulers are been played with. It shows disrespect for the fathers of the land forgetting that it is only when they liaise with the community properly that they can be successful.”
As part of his solidarity support to the host communities, he presented a national flag to the UNICEM Host Communities President; Comrade Paul Effiong charging him not to relent in fighting for what is their right.
Responding to the charge, Comrade Paul pledged to stop at nothing in ensuring UNICEM meet its’ Corporate Social Responsibilities.
Effiong beckoned on his members to maintain peace, promising that the time for action will come soon.
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