The Ijaw
Youth Council (IYC) on Monday sought speedy consideration of other tranches of
the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) that concerns the host communities.
IYC in a reaction to the May 25
passage of the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) ahead
Petroleum Host Community Fund as a shown of insensitivity to the plight of the
Niger Delta region.
According to a statement issued by
Henry Iyalla, Spokesman of IYC in Yenagoa, the fragmentation of the PIB into
tranches was counterproductive and time wasting.
He said that the Niger Delta people
had expected the tranche of the PIB relevant to the region to be given
expedited attention in line with the federal government’s commitment to
resolving the Niger Delta question.
“ It is unfortunate that at a time
when we expect the government to show commitment in the development of the
region we have to contend with the celebration of an ill-conceived idea to
divide the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) into mushroom bits.
“We wish to state expressly that the
only PIB bill that will ensure peace in the region and be celebrated by all is
one that includes the Oil Communities Fund Act.
“The proposed Oil Communities Act
gives the Niger Delta people a stake in the industry and provides avenues to
alleviate the suffering of the people in the region.
“Without the passage of this bill any
governance structure put in place will not succeed.
“The National Assembly should
immediately take further steps for the quick passage of the Host Community Bill
which guarantees 10% equity to the community,” Iyalla said.
He noted that Niger Delta people want
smooth governance of exploitation and exploration of the abundant oil reserve
within the region with the economic interest of host communities adequately
protected in the laws.
The youth group maintained that passage
of the complete Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) is the only guarantee for a
smooth and conducive operational environment in the Niger Delta.
I said that it is only natural that
the people of the region would guarantee conducive operational environment with
the protection of their interest.
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