Group Slams Minister Over Alleged ‘Lopsided’ Oil and Gas Job Allocations in Akwa Ibom
UYO, NIGERIA — A prominent socio-cultural organization, the Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio (MMI), has strongly condemned the alleged unequal distribution of federal employment opportunities facilitated by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo.
The controversy erupted following a recent publication listing 34 Akwa Ibom indigenes who were reportedly employed by key agencies within the oil and gas sector through the Minister’s office.
According to the publication, 30 out of the 34 job slots were given to individuals from the Minister’s own constituency, the Akwa Ibom North-West (Ikot Ekpene) Senatorial District. In contrast, the remaining two senatorial districts in the state reportedly received only two slots each.
A “Dangerous Precedent” for Public Trust
In a swift reaction, MMI expressed grave concern over the lopsidedness, reminding the minister that his role is to represent the entire state at the federal level, not just his immediate constituency.
“For the avoidance of doubt, 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 stated.
The organization warned that if the allegations are proven true, it sets a damaging standard for public administration, transparency, and federal character. “Such a practice could encourage a dangerous precedent in which every political office holder seeks to appropriate public opportunities primarily for his or her locality, thereby undermining the principle of state character, inclusiveness, and equitable distribution of government benefits,” the statement continued.
Call for Immediate Clarification
Signed by the International Public Relations Officer, Akparawa (Pst) Idongesit Ikono, the group demanded that the Minister immediately clear the air regarding the controversial list and explain the selection criteria used.
MMI urged all public office holders from Akwa Ibom State to look beyond narrow political, local government, or senatorial boundaries. “MMI believes that public office is a trust and that 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. Akwa Ibom belongs to all of us.”
At the time of filing this report, the office of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources has not issued an official response to the group’s demands
