Petroleum Industry Bill Will Solve Poverty In N’Delta – Senator Maeba

Despite the stiff opposition to the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) currently before the National Assembly by some stakeholders, the Senator representing Rivers East Senatorial Zone, Senator Lee Maeba says the bill will solve the problem of poverty in the Niger Delta.
Senator Maeba who said this at an accountability forum in Bori headquarters of Khana Local Government Area said that the bill seeks to ensure that 10 per cent of equity profit form oil is paid to oil producing communities.
The senator also said that the bill will seek to make oil companies pay part of the rent and royalties on the use of land directly to the oil producing communities.
On the issue of constitutional amendment, he said that the review will take care of the interest of the people especially in the demand for the creation of a Bori State.
“I am already working with my colleagues to ensure that the interest of our people are protected in every amendment that will be made on the constitution.
“I will also like to inform you that the proposal for the creation of Bori State is gaining greater support from the public”, he said.
In his speech, the president of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), Mr Ledum Mitee said that the forum was non-political and aimed at bridging the gap between the people and their elected representatives.
Mr Mitee also said that the forum seeks to provide a platform for interaction between the people and persons in government.
Earlier the project co-ordinator, Cynthia Onwuka said that the forum was in line with MOSOP programme in the promotion of good governance in Ogoni land.
According to her, it will provide the opportunity for both elected and appointed representatives to brief the people on their activities in government.