By Michael Egbejule, Benin City
Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has canvassed review of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to correct some noticeable flaws.
He said the amendment would tackle persisting crisis between oil companies and host communities.
Describing the law as a time bomb, the governor emphasised that since the country operates a federal system of government, it was an aberration for the government at the centre to deal directly with oil-producing communities, while excluding the states and local councils.
Diri made the submission when new Commander of the Joint Military Task Force, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), Rear Admiral Eugenio Ferreira and other officers paid him a courtesy visit in Government House, Yenagoa.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, quoted the governor as saying the oil-producing states and councils are now being called upon to intervene in issues between the multinationals and their host communities.
His words: “We are happy we have a PIA that guides the industry. However, we saw a lot of flaws even before the bill was assented to. At that point, l referred to the Act as a time bomb.
“I also said there would still be serious crisis between the oil-producing communities and companies, and by extension, the Federal Government. One of such indications is that the Federal Government, in that Act, successfully excluded the state and local governments to deal directly with the communities.
“In recent times, we have started seeing crisis between the communities and oil companies over the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and other issues. And the state governments have been called to intervene. So that Act needs further amendment.”
Diri said both state and local governments should be incorporated into the oil industry legislation to enable them contribute towards ensuring peace and stability in the industry.
He also called for collaboration between the oil-bwearing states and relevant institutions to bring development closer to the people, as one of the surest ways in tackling oil theft, pipeline vandalism and illegal refining activities.
The governor added: “While as a government, we would not support anybody involved in oil theft, illegal oil refining and all other acts that contribute to pollution, underdevelopment and killings, we would also like to state that the best way to tackling the issues is to fast-track development to these areas. We can assure you that these same people will become protectors of oil installations domiciled in the Niger Delta.”
While welcoming the commander, he urged him to join hands with the state government in surmounting the security challenges in his area of operation.
Earlier, Rear Admiral Ferreira said he was posted to the command in May this year.
He noted that the OPDS was established with a mandate to protect oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta and ensure a stable and peaceful environment for all.
While expressing gratitude to the state government for the support given to the command, Ferreira said they had achieved 80 per cent success of attaining their mandate, which he attributed to the kinetic and non-kinetic approach of the military.
He commended the governor for his support to the task force and pledged that the command would continue to cooperate and collaborate with his government to ensure peace and security of the state.
Source: The Guardian