The Oro nation comprising Oron, Mbo Udong Uko, Urue Offong Oruko and Okobo local government areas of Akwa Ibom state have dragged the state government before a Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, challenging the non gazetting of the region as an oil producing area even after the National Assembly passed a resolution on the matter eight years ago.
According to the suit No. FHC/ABJ/215/2020, filed by one Dr. Celsius Ukpong and two others on behalf of Oro people, Akwa Ibom state, federal government as well as the Attorney General of the Federation are listed as 4th,5th and 6th respondents, respectively.
The applicants are seeking the relief of court for a declaration that Oro people are entitled to enjoy the same rights as other oil-bearing communities in the state.
They are also asking the court to declare that the Oro nation is entitled to the share of 13% derivation from their natural resources and an order of court directing Akwa Ibom state government to pay the sum of N4trillion to the people as compensation and damages for the ‘wrongful and unconstitutional’ exclusion of the Oro nation as an oil and gas producing community.
When the case was mentioned for hearing on Monday, the presiding judge, Justice A. A Okeke, adjourned to November 28, 2020 for further mention on ground that the additional affidavit filed by the applicant’s counsel for leave of court to be used was not served to all parties involved.
