ALETO COMMUNITY RENEWS CALL FOR ACCOUNTABILITY FROM ELEME LAWMAKER, HON. AFORJI IGWE OBEY

The Aleto community in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State has renewed its call for transparency, accountability and justice over funds allegedly allocated to landowners and host communities connected to Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals, Fertiliser and Super-Packaging companies.

Aleto is one of the six host communities to Indorama Eleme. The community says it donated about 159 hectares of land out of approximately 369 hectares used for the development of the company, with the land forming part of the equity arrangement involving the host communities.

According to members of the community, families that surrendered their farmlands for the project have, since 2012, continued to demand a clear account of funds and benefits allegedly meant for landowners and other beneficiaries.

The renewed call follows a series of protests, letters and appeals by concerned residents, who allege that billions of naira credited to landowners and beneficiaries have not been transparently accounted for.

The community has particularly called for accountability from its representative in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Aforji Igwe Obey, as well as other individuals named in connection with the management of the community's affairs.

Some residents have also made allegations concerning the handling of community funds by certain leaders. One of the allegations claims that Hon. Aforji Igwe Obey allegedly used community funds to charter private jets and travel between London and Dubai, where he was alleged to have acquired a property.

However, the allegation has not been independently verified, and no evidence was provided to substantiate the claim.

The community has also alleged that human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has shown interest in the concerns raised by residents over accountability and justice.

Aleto residents are therefore appealing to the Federal Government, relevant regulatory authorities and human rights organisations to intervene and ensure an independent review of the funds reportedly disbursed to landowners between 2012 and 2026.

The community is also demanding that Indorama provide a comprehensive account of its stewardship regarding agreements, payments and other financial obligations connected to the host communities and landowners.

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to obtain a response from Hon. Aforji Igwe Obey on the allegations were unsuccessful. He has not publicly responded to the claims.

The allegations remain claims by members of the community and have not been independently established.