Group Faults Northern Govs On PIB

A group known as the
Ogoni Oil Field Indigenous Association (OGOFIA), has faulted some Northern Governors over their recent stand on the planned Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).
The  group in a joint Statement signed by its BOT Chairman Mr. George Kobani, and Secretary Chief Mike Lube Nwidobie and others which was made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt recently, berated the Northern governors over the demand to know the constitution of host communities and how the money will be distributed, should the bill scale through.
It noted that the group ought to react so as to redirect the mind of the public from the wrong impressions about to be created by the 19 Northern Governors.
They condemned the alleged statement by the Northern governors adding that the bill was targeted at opening a window for sustainable development of the long neglected oil-producing communities in the country.
The association, also called for the creation of what they described as Host Communities Trust Fund (HVTF/through which the fund will be channeled for effective administration.
It further clamoured for a central body, which according to them, will have Royal Majesties, Paramount rulers and other notable people on the Boards of Directors.
According to them, the association, if formed, will check interference from Government at all levels.
Meanwhile, they have called on the National Assembly and well-meaning Nigerians to share the view of the host communities, and insist on the passage of the PIB.
They also advised that host communities should be defined as any community that is hosting oil and gas activities with respect to its production, oil assets, pipelines and any other facility of the operators in the community.