Writes PMB, National Assembly
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly to swiftly pass the Petroleum Industry Bill to law without further delay.
Secretary General of the apex body of all Ijaw youths across the world, Rt Hon Frank Miebi Pukon made the call on Monday, saying the bill “will address social and economic hardship in the Niger Delta.”
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Pukon maintains that the establishment of the Bill is one of the sure fire ways President Buhari can restore permanent peace in the volatile region.
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The revered activist cum politician insists that the PIB with “genuine policy formulation will harmonize Niger Deltans and facilitate the region’s economic growth.”
Pukon further beckoned on the 9th Assembly to exercise it’s sacred obligations in implementing laws that will benefit the social and economic prosperity of its citizens,” the Niger Delta in particular.
Pukon’s statement reads in full;
“One of the areas, the Buhari presidency can restore permanent peace in the Niger Delta region, is to address environmental degradation, in the Niger Delta to enhance social and economic prosperity.”
“The Petroleum Industry Bill, nonetheless, is another pertinent legislative piece that will address the region’s social and economic adversities and proffer lasting peace to the region.”
“Put simply, it is about genuine policy formulation, that will harmonize Niger Deltans and facilitate the region’s economic growth.”
“That is why in different forums, I have advocated for the Petroleum Industry Bill to be enacted because it will no doubt address many of the economic woes bedeviling the Niger Delta.”
“It was 2008, (12 years ago) the Petroleum Industry Bill began its journey under the regime of President Umaru Yar’Adua.”
“This bill, which seeks to establish a legal and regulatory framework for institutions, authorities, stakeholders, and host communities by establishing guidelines for national development.”
“However, the debate on the PIB is long overstretched and should have been concluded by now, the continuing non-passage of the bill has seen Nigeria incur losses from regulatory uncertainty in the oil and gas sector where host communities have become marginalized and are not given the fair share.”
“So, I want to use this medium to once again call on the 9th National Assembly to pass the PIB, which will reposition the industry and engage host communities in the Niger Delta.”
“It is a sacred obligation for lawmakers to implement laws that will benefit the social and economic prosperity of its citizens.”
“This is the global practice for all parliaments worldwide and Nigeria apparently is not excluded,” he added.
