SAN FRANCISCO, April 11, (THEWILL) – The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has cautioned the national assembly to rescind their decision to drop the Host Community Fund (HCF) from the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB)
The President of MOSOP, Comrade Legborsi Saro Pyagbara, made the call on Monday in Port Harcourt whilst speaking to journalists adding that the removal of the Host Community Fund in the current Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) by the 8th Assembly is detrimental to the economic survival of the Niger Delta people and should be stoutly resisted.
A statement by the group, signed Fegalo Nsuke, Publicity Secretary, MOSOP, revealed that Pyagbara told journalists that the passage of the PIB bill is over-due in the National Assembly and the purported removal of the Host Community Fund which is the backbone of the bill is uncalled for.
He added that if expunged, the action is an invitation to anarchy as this is the only part of the bill that assures community participation in the entire oil industry.
Pyagbara questioned that if the Host Community Fund was removed from the PIB, as being speculated, what will be the hope of the host community that has suffered pain, environmental degradation and pollution arising from oil spill that has over the years impoverish the people.
The MOSOP President therefore, tasked the 8th Assembly to retrace their step and not to invite the wrath of the Niger Delta People that has supported the country economically but has nothing to show for it since oil exploration and exploitation in the region.
Story by David Oputah
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