The Executive Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Ambassador Chijioke Ihunwo, has called on the Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo-led Rivers State House of Assembly to compel International Oil Companies (IOCs) to relocate their headquarters to Rivers State.
Ihunwo made this appeal on Monday while hosting the House Committee on Local Government, led by Deputy Speaker Adolphus Orubienmigha, during an oversight visit.
He argued that it is unjust for these companies to operate in Rivers State while maintaining their headquarters in Lagos, despite conducting most of their activities locally.
He criticized some IOCs for prioritizing foreigners over host community members in employment opportunities, highlighting the council’s efforts to bridge this gap through an employment bureau established to liaise with companies operating in Obio/Akpor.
According to Ihunwo, security concerns cited by IOCs as reasons for not relocating are no longer valid, as Rivers State is now peaceful and secure under Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration
