The Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio (MMI) has challenged the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil and Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, to explain the alleged concentration of federal oil and gas sector employment opportunities in his senatorial district.
The group warned that the reported pattern could fuel perceptions of exclusion and undermine equity, unity and inclusiveness across Akwa Ibom State.
The demand followed an alleged list indicating that out of 34 employment opportunities purportedly facilitated for Akwa Ibom indigenes in key agencies under the minister’s supervision, 30 went to beneficiaries from Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District, while Akwa Ibom North-East and South reportedly received two beneficiaries each.
In a statement signed by its International Public Relations Officer, Akparawa (Pst) Idongesit Ikono, on Wednesday, MMI said the alleged distribution raised serious questions about fairness.
The organisation stressed that Ekpo’s appointment as a federal minister carried responsibilities beyond his senatorial district.
“The Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources occupies a ministerial position representing Akwa Ibom State in the Federal Executive Council; he does not occupy the position as a representative of Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District,” the group said.
MMI argued that federal employment opportunities and other interventions facilitated through the minister’s office should reflect the interests of the three senatorial districts as much as possible.
It warned that concentrating government opportunities in one area could create feelings of marginalisation and weaken the sense of unity among Akwa Ibom people.
According to the group, public office holders whose responsibilities affect an entire state should not be perceived as concentrating opportunities meant for the wider population in their political constituencies or communities.
MMI consequently called on Ekpo to clarify the authenticity of the alleged list, the actual number of employment opportunities involved and the criteria used in selecting the beneficiaries.
The organisation said transparency was particularly important given the alleged disparity in the distribution of the opportunities.
It also urged Ekpo and other political office holders from Akwa Ibom to rise above senatorial, local government and community interests in the distribution of federal benefits.
“Every Akwa Ibom indigene, irrespective of senatorial district, local government area, political affiliation or community, deserves a fair opportunity to benefit from government programmes and interventions,” MMI said.
The group warned that it would oppose any proven discrimination in the allocation of public opportunities, stressing that fairness, transparency and inclusiveness were necessary to sustain public confidence and unity in the state.
“Akwa Ibom belongs to all of us. Public opportunities must therefore be administered with fairness, transparency and inclusiveness,” MMI declared.
