ALSCON: Host community denies claims of RUSLAL’s assets stripping

Ini Billie, Uyo

The host community of the Aluminum Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom state, Ikpa Ibekwe, has denied claims that RUSAL vandalised assets of the company.

This follows reports that the Russian aluminium giant was vandalizing equipment and assets of ALSCON.

Speaking on Tuesday in Ikpa Ibekwe, the clan head, HRH Eteidung Akpan Nelson Inyang referred to the claims as false, saying no asset of ALSCON has been stolen.

“It is completely false that RUSAL has stripped ALSCON of its assets. I have had cause to personally investigate the allegation and have discovered that is untrue and the handiwork of mischief makers.

“RUSAL has been committed to maintaining the assets at the plant at great cost even when it is not producing and generating any income for years now.

“Our people need to be sensitized to know that instead of spreading falsehood, they should join hands and voices in calling on the federal government to restore gas supply and put modalities in place for the resuscitation of ALSCON,” he stated.

Also speaking, Village head of Ikot Essien in Ikpa Ibekwe, Eteidung Ufot Akpan Nathaniel said the community’s vigilantes secure the assets of the company, and monitor the entry and exit of items from the ALSCON plant.

“I can tell you for free that it is not true that RUSAL has been vandalizing equipment from ALSCON. Even if it was true from where will they pass with the vandalized equipment.

“We have vigilantes which secure our territory up to Edemaya, Essene, Ette and other entry and exit points. So there is no such as asset stripping,” he noted.

On his part, Youth leader, Ikpa Ibekwe, Comrade Etop Sunday said the company has lived up to its corporate social responsibility (CSR), adding that ALSCON has impacted positively on the community.

Sunday mentioned that the computer literacy centre, skills acquisition centre, youth development centre and several scholarship awards to indigenes of Ikpa Ibekwe and its environs are some of the CSR interventions by RUSAL-ALSCON.

Earlier, the Director of Governnment/Public Relations Directorate of the company, Mr Aleksandr Ashkinazi had taken journalists on an inspection tour of the company’s facilities.

RUSAL took over the management of ALSCON but discontinued production in 2013 after the cessation of gas supply to the plant by the federal government.