IN Keeping with understanding with the Akwa Ibom State Government Exxon Mobil, a subsidiary of major oil exploring firm, Mobil, may relocate its corporate headquarters to the state.

In line with the expectation, the firm is to soon embark on construction of residential houses for its senior staff as from next January.

Also, there will be an immediate completion of work on the multi-faceted Tropicana Entertainment Centre cited in Uyo.

Governor Godswill Obot Akpabio, who announced this at a Gala Night, at the Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Nwaniba organised the by government in honour of the out-going Lead Country Manager and Chairman of the subsidiary, Mr. John Paul Chaplin.

Chief Akpabio said the government embarked on massive infrastructural development in the state, particularly the construction o0f some intra-urban roads in Eket, to attract the firm to site its headquarters in the state.

He congratulated Mr. Chaplin on his elevation as the vice president of Exxon Mobil subsidiary, which he described as a proof of having served diligently.

The governor appreciated the cordial working relationship between the company and the government during the tenure of Chaplin, noting that the era witnessed peace and harmony.

He maintained that as a result of his diligence and sincerity to duty the people in the host community refused to block Eket Airstrip and did not chase workers out of the offshore oil platforms.

"We are no longer blocking the airstrip neither are we pursuing people out of the creeks. We are sitting down with Mobil to engage in dialogue on the way forward to enhance a harmonious relationship between us," the governor observed.

In his remarks, Chaplin said he had gained a lot of experience serving in the country.