15-12-09 Akwa Ibom Government has called on other oil giants in the state to emulate the good example of Total E&P, which recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with its oil communities.
Speaking at Government House, Uyo, on behalf of Governor Godswill Akpabio, the Deputy Governor, Engr. Patrick Ekpotu, on the occasion of the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between Total E&P and Akwa Ibom Host Communities, noted that it had become imperative for corporate organisations in the state to demonstrate a better sense of responsibility towards their host communities.

Applauding Total E&P for its determination to partner with host communities with a view towards their development, Engr. Ekpotu assured that the state government would ensure that the host communities kept the terms of the MoU.
The deputy governor, who noted that although the signing of the MoU was commendable, its implementation should be accorded utmost priority as, according to him, "events of the past have shown that many institutions and organisations often lack the will to remain committed to such MoU." He expressed the hope that Total E&P would not act contrary to the spirit and letters of the understanding.

In implementing the MoU, he advised that it was essential to liaise with other development agencies and appropriate tier of government before executing projects in communities to avoid unnecessary duplication.
Engr. Ekpotu who lauded the initiative of the core oil communities to include other areas as beneficiaries, while commending the Executive Council Committee of MoU led by the Commissioner for Environment, Obong Eno Akpan, for making the occasion a reality, charged them to equally make a success of other MoUs.