PIB: Uduaghan, Okirika blast northern govs, ACF

Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has advised northern leaders to reassess their opposition to the Petroleum Industry Bill in the interest of peace and unity of the nation.

The Northern Governors Forum and the Arewa Consultative Forum among other northern groups had kicked against the bill, particularly the section that has to do with setting aside of 10 percent of oil revenue for direct allocation to producing communities.

Uduaghan, who spoke through his Communication Manager, Mr. Paul Odili, said opposition to the bill is against the peace and unity of the country as well as the growth of the oil industry.

He lamented that a section of the country would kick against a bill that seeks to give Nigerians greater participation in the nation’s oil industry.

He said, “The opposition against the PIB is an unfortunate politicisation of a bill seeking to reform the oil industry to bring more benefits to Nigerians. Passing the PIB should have more salutary impact on the economy of Nigeria and will bring benefits to Niger Deltans, especially the communities, both host and impacted from whose land oil is extracted with little benefits in the last 50 years.

“My appeal to all concerned is to allow PIB to become law and to drop any further delay that denies Nigerians and Niger Deltans, the opportunities PIB offers.

“As things stand today with the stalemate on PIB, I want to charge the National Assembly to show leadership and get PIB passed, that’s the least Nigerians want from their representatives in Abuja.”

On his part, Chief Favour Izoukumor, Ijaw leader and immediate past President of Izon-Ebe Oil Producing Communities Forum, condemned the attitude of the northern leaders, saying his kinsmen would explore all legitimate avenues to demand total control of their resources

“This has once again shown that the people of other parts of the country don’t have regards for the oil bearing communities.

“We have always known that selfish interests dictate the politics of this country. We will henceforth seek to control our resources and we will do that through legitimate teams,” he stated.

Chief Izoukumor also lambasted politicians from the region for not rising up to the challenge posed by stiff opposition from the north.

Speaking in the same vein, leader of the Oil and Gas Producing Communities of the South/south, Chief Wellington Okirika, warned that those opposed to the PIB are toying with the destiny, peace and unity of the country.

Speaking through the Media Consultants to the group, Prince Monday Whiskey, he said it was annoying that what the oil communities consider a “meager” offer was generating so much fuss.

“These same people are beneficiaries of all the oil blocks, crude oil lifting allocations and all the juicy contracts in the oil and gas industry.

“They have forgotten that few decades ago when the situation was different they were merely paying taxes to the Federal Government,” Okrika said.