The House of Representatives members from the Niger Delta have affirmed that they will push for an increment of the equity shares of host communities from the current three per cent to five per cent in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Recall that some months ago, the National Assembly passed the bill into law after a joint conference committee of both chambers adopted the Senate’s approved 3 per cent as against five per cent approved by the House of Representatives.
Subsequently, President Buhari assented to the bill, making it a law in August.
The decision was met with rejection by many fractions in the oil-rich coastal region noting that 3 per cent was too small for host communities.
Some members of the House from the Niger Delta, who spoke to Vanguard on Sunday, said they will move for an increment in the provision, noting that it required a strategic meeting of all the lawmakers from the zone.
The lawmakers, who spoke to Vanguard included the chairman, House Committee on Host Communities, Dumnamene Dekor; the leader of the PDP caucus in the House, Kingsley Chinda; Sergius Ogun from Edo State and Ben Igbakpa from Delta State.
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Host Communities and member representing Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency of Rivers State, Dumnamene Dekor said: “Any proposal of an amendment that is before the National Assembly today does not foreclose other amendment proposals.
“That’s my position. The five per cent is not exclusive. It can also be proposed.”
On his part, Kingsley Chinda, representing Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency of Rivers State stated that the PIA is one of the worst laws enacted, which he said could lead the country into crisis if not addressed.
“We have consistently condemned the PIA, which is one of the worse laws in recent time. Our position is justified by the hurried need to amend same.
“Any law that will not make for peace in the country is a bad law and contrary to Section 4 (2) of the Constitution that empowers NASS to make laws for the peace, order and good governance of the country.
“The PIA will cause crises in the country and therefore is a bad law. Aside from the devilish 3% for host communities, how do you leave the definition of host communities to the discretion of the operators? There must be some clear yardstick.
“How can you punish host communities for any sabotage on oil facilities? Who has the responsibility to protect the oil facilities?” he queried
Ben Igbakpa, representing Ethiope East/Ethiope West of Delta State explained that the issue of 3 % for host communities is a very bitter pill to swallow.
“That is a bill that has suffered so many years of neglect. Now, we were all determined that this time, let’s pass it. No law is carved on stone, no matter how good you think it is. I wouldn’t subscribe to the notion that it was hurriedly passed.
“There was a committee and the committee went round the country, looking for input from the people. The question I know people would ask is was the input from the public, especially the people of the Niger Delta?
“Well, that’s another kettle of fish. But to say that the bill was hurriedly passed is not true. It was considered expedient then.
“Now, the President in his wisdom considers that if the Act is to stand the test of time, the governance structure will be amended to carry every part of the country along. It doesn’t mean it was passed in a hurry. It’s one bill that has been there over the years.” he added.
The representatives maintained that the proposed amendment of the Act by President Buhari is an opportunity to do what is right.
