CONTRACTOR DISMISSES OBILE PROTEST, AFFIRMS COMMUNITY ROOTS, ABILITY TO DELIVER SEPLAT MODERN MARKET PROJECT
.. Accuses Kingsley Omuruka of Fueling Public Incitement
By Our Reporter
The Chief Executive Officer of CJI Global System Company Limited and contractor handling the proposed Seplat Energy Plc/Obile Community Modern Market Project, Engr. Chukwuemeka Justice Ibeh, has dismissed the recent protest staged by some disgruntled individuals claiming to represent Obile Autonomous Community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, describing it as a sponsored attempt to frustrate ongoing development efforts in the area.
Accusing one Kingsley Omuruka of being the person inciting the public against the development coming to the community while reacting to the purported demonstration held at the corporate office of Seplat Energy Plc in Owerri on Friday, June 5, 2026, by some hired and unscrupulous elements, Engr. Ibeh insisted that he is a bona fide son of Obile Community and fully qualified to execute any project approved for the benefit of the host community.
He described attempts to question his ancestry and connection to Obile as baseless and misleading, reaffirming his deep-rooted ties to the community.
“I was born in Obile in 1983 and have lived all my life identifying with the community. I attended school here, grew up here, and my family roots are firmly established in Obile,” he said.
“My mother gave birth to me in Obile, and everyone who knows me understands my connection and contributions to the growth of the community,” he added.
Engr. Ibeh maintained that no individual or group has the authority to deny his identity or long-standing association with Obile, stressing his commitment to peace, unity, and development in the area.
He alleged that the protest was orchestrated by individuals pursuing personal interests rather than the collective good of the community, accusing one Kingsley Chigozie Omuruka (popularly known as Blocker) an indigene of Rivers State of being the sponsors of the indivisive actions capable of creating cohesion and turmoil in the area as the enemy of the progress in the community.
According to him, genuine sons and daughters of Obile should focus on supporting developmental initiatives rather than obstructing projects designed to improve living conditions.
He maintained that Seplat Energy awarded the contract to his company based on competence, integrity, and proven technical capacity and not on sentiment.
“I was selected because of my professional qualifications and experience. As a registered engineer and contractor, I possess the technical expertise required, and I am determined to justify the confidence reposed in me by Seplat Energy and the people of Obile,” he stated.
Engr. Ibeh assured that the proposed modern market project would be executed in line with approved standards and specifications, noting that it would deliver lasting socio-economic benefits to the community.
He further recalled his long-standing relationship with Obile, including his childhood upbringing, education, and participation in social activities within the community.
“My childhood, education, sporting activities, and many important aspects of my life are tied to Obile. I have always stood for peace, progress, and development here,” he said.
The contractor appealed to Seplat Energy not to be distracted by what he described as misinformation, urging the company to remain focused on delivering the project for the benefit of the host community.
He expressed confidence that upon completion, the modern market project would stand as a landmark development and a testament to collaboration between Seplat Energy and community stakeholders.
The protest, which attracted youths, women, and other stakeholders of Obile Autonomous Community, had earlier faulted the award of the contract to Engr. Ibeh, insisting he is not an indigene of the community.
The demonstrators alleged that only verified indigenes should benefit from host community projects and accused Seplat Energy of sidelining genuine stakeholders in contract awards.
Placards displayed during the protest carried inscriptions such as: “Non-Indigene Cannot Execute Obile Community Project,” “Hon. Innocent Omai Is Representing Himself and Not the Community and Therefore Must Be Sacked,” and “A Nwangele Son Cannot Handle Development Project in Obile According to the PIA Law.”
They also alleged that Mr. Innocent Omai, said to represent the community within the company structure, influenced the contract award to a non-indigene, an allegation he is yet to publicly respond to.
However, the President General of Obile Autonomous Community, Comrade Paschal Ndubuisi Obido, dismissed the protest and defended the contract award.
Obido described the demonstrators as individuals allegedly sponsored to cause disaffection within the community, commending Seplat Energy for awarding the contract to Engr. Ibeh.
He said the Traditional Ruler of Obile Community, Eze Abyssinia Ogbuji, alongside members of the royal cabinet, community leaders, and stakeholders, had collectively reviewed and endorsed Ibeh’s company as a capable and reliable contractor.
According to him, the leadership of the community remains satisfied with the selection process and has formally appreciated Seplat Energy for the decision.
As of press time, Seplat Energy had not issued an official statement regarding the protest or allegations raised by the demonstrators.
However, both the contractor and community leadership expressed confidence that the project would proceed successfully in the interest of Obile Community.