Politics
Former Party Chief Tasks NASS On PIB
Former National Chairman of de-registered Progressive Action Congress (PAC), Chief Charles Nwodo, has appealed to the National Assembly to pass the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) in the interest of the nation.
Nwodo who made the call in an interview with newsmen in Abuja, stressed the need for the lawmakers to re-visit the PIB with patriotic zeal, as the oil industry was the backbone of Nigeria’s economy.
According to him, the delay in passing the bill will further encourage cabals to thrive without let or hindrance. “World wide, the oil industry has rules and regulations guiding exploration, exploitation and marketing of products in the industry.
“The NNPC today, is enmeshed in the controversy of mismanagement because a comprehensive oil bill is not in place,” he said.
He expressed regret that Nigeria was the only country in the world where crude oil theft is the order of the day and “culprits go scot free”. He attributed the situation to the lack of comprehensive laws to regulate the oil industry and other sectors that were critical to the growth of the nation’s economy. “Shying away from passing the PIB can only do more harm than good, given the situation in the country.
“I also subscribe to the fact that the oil minister should not be the only one saddled with all the responsibilities in the oil industry for transparency and accountability,” he said.
He expressed the belief that realistic laws would enthrone checks and balances, in addition to transparency and accountability necessary for the survival of the industry.
Nwodo also advocated the enactment of a law to stipulate severe punishments for crude oil thieves and frauds as sanity was needed in the oil industry. He said further that the bill should deal with environmental factors affecting oil exploration and safety of the host communities. He also urged the lawmakers to rise above sectional politics in order to pass the bill without further delay.
According to him, the proceeds from the oil industry should be made to serve the interest of the entire country.
He underscored the use of e-governance as information and communication technology was imperative for oversight functions, including probes.
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.
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