News
PIA: ‘Compelling Communities To Forfeit Entitlements Over Vandalisation Unfair’
Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM) has described as unfortunate, some sections of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) holding host communities responsible for any disruption in production activities and vandalisation of facilities.
According to HOSTCOM, it was wrong for the PIA to deny host communities their entitlements on account of damage to facilities in their domains as communities were not the surveillance security contractors paid to secure the facilities.
National Chairman of HOSTCOM, Chief Style Tamaranebi, who addressed newsmen shortly after the national expanded meeting of the group at Bayelsa State HOSTCOM secretariat, yesterday, while commending President Muhammadu Buhari; Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, and the 9th National Assembly for the passage of the Act, however, called for the amendment of Section 257(2,3), describing it as unfriendly to the host communities.
He called for further amendments to give HOSTCOM the powers to interface with host communities with regard to the management of the three per cent Operating Cost (OPEC) for the host communities.
He said: “We decided to have our national expanded meeting here in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State with representatives from the 10 member states to discuss the nitty-gritty and how to assimilate the PIA, and also look at other issues as it affects our communities.
“On the PIA, the issue of Section 257 subsections 2 and 3 is so unfortunate and unfriendly that the host communities should forfeit their annual entitlements of three per cent of the Operational Cost (OPEC) accrued to them if there are damages and sabotage to oil production or facilities.
“Is it the communities that are sabotaging? That is the question and we are saying that these areas have to be amended. The oil companies have their contractors doing the surveillance job and not the communities. This ought not to be and that is why we are crying out that that section should be amended.
“We are also trying to sensitise the communities to put up their structures. They should also give us (HOSTCOM) that privilege as an oversight function to interface and mediate between the communities and the IOCs. That is the aspect that was not captured in the PIA and that is what we are asking the regulators of the Act for.”
The Renewed Hope Initiative in conjunction with the Rivers State Government has empowered 500 elderly citizens in Rivers State with financial support of N200,000 each.
The empowerment programme was part of activities to celebrate the third anniversary of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme RHIESS, a social investment policy initiated by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Speaking at the event which held at the Government House, Port Harcourt, recently, under the theme, ‘Finding Joy in Old Age,’ Senator Tinubu said the gesture which has become traditional since 2023 was a mark of gratitude in recognition of the invaluable contributions of the senior citizens to nation building.
The First Lady who was represented by the wife of the Rivers State Governor and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Lady Valerie Fubara, said the scheme was to “support two hundred and fifty (250) vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) totalling 9,500 selected beneficiaries across the nation.
She urged the beneficiaries to engage in activities that will make them find joy in old age.
“I encourage you to continue playing your part by staying healthy and active, nurture both your body and mind through regular exercise and meaningful engagement,” Senator Tinubu advised.
On her part, Lady Fubara said the State Government through the magnanimity of the governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has increased the beneficiaries of the programme from 250 to 500.
She restated the commitment of the State Government towards provision of social welfare and improving the standard of living of the elderly in the State.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), Dr Vetty Agala, said the State Government has through the Health4allrivers Initiative, introduced free medical care for senior citizens in the State, in line with the Renewed Hope Initiative.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to expedite the prosecution of the Director of the now distressed MBA Forex Trading, Mr. Maxwell Odum, in the interest of justice.
The Rivers State NUJ made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the EFFC’s Ag. Zonal Director, ACE Hassan Saidu, in Port Harcourt, recently.
The council’s chairman, Comrade Paul Bazia, said the appeal became imperative after it considered the number of Nigerians and others involved in the financial misconduct.
According to him, it has caused hardship among many households in the country and should be given the attention it deserves.
He said that investors cannot come into a country or invest in an economy or nation ridden with fraud.
This, he said, has made it more imperative to arrest, prosecute and convict alleged fraudsters like the MBA Forex Director, who is alleged to have defrauded thousands of unsuspecting Nigerians, to serve as a deterrent to others.
The chairman also requested that while the trial lasts, part of the swindled funds should be given to the victims that suffered loss and trauma as a result of the fraud.
The NUJ reiterated its resolve to change the narrative of reportage from crisis to developmental communication.
According to him, the NUJ’s main focus is blue economy and tourism.
He expressed the readiness of the Council to partner the agency in the area of information dissemination.
“We believe you have a responsibility to fight financial crimes. We also know that you need the Press to publicize your activities and NUJ can provide that,” he said.
Responding, the Zonal EFFC’s boss commended the NUJ’s vision to change the narrative of reporting from crisis to developmental communication.
According to Saidu, the Western world have since imbibed such culture, hence the negative stories about them are carefully sifted to allow only positive ones to be released to the outside world.
As for the trapped funds to be released, the EFCC Zonal Director stated that only the court can authorize such action, stressing that the primary responsibility of the Commission is to arrest and prosecute.
He pledged to partner with the NUJ now that the leadership has visited the Commission.
The Head of the Legal & Prosecution Department, DCE Odiase Stephen, corroborated the Zonal Director’s position and stressed that it was only when the matter has been determined by the court that such funds can be released.
He further stated that once a matter is before a court of competent jurisdiction, it cannot be discussed outside.
By: King Onunwor
-
News4 days agoRSIPA Outlines Plans To Boost Investors’ Confidence …China Applauds Fubara As Listening Gov
-
Politics1 day ago
Alleged Tax Law Changes Risk Eroding Public Trust — CISLAC
-
Politics1 day ago
DEFECTION: FUBARA HAS ENDED SPECULATIONS ABOUT POLITICAL FUTURE — NWOGU
-
Maritime1 day agoImo Category C Victory: NIMASA Staff Host Executive Management Party
-
Maritime1 day agoStakeholders Advocate Legal Framework For NSW Project
-
Politics1 day ago
HILDA DOKUBO ASSUMES CHAIRMANSHIP, DENIES FACTIONS IN RIVERS LP
-
Sports1 day ago
New Four Yr Calendar For AFCON
-
Sports1 day ago
Brighton’s Disappointing Run Continues
