…seek end to youth restiveness in Niger Delta region
The Adhoc Committee investigating the planned relocation of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) from River state is expected to meet Governor Nyeson Wike with the view to resolve the crisis.
Ibe Kachikwu, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, and Executive Director of National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NPIMS) are expected to interface with the Adhoc Committee as from next week.
Speaker Yakubu Dogara who inaugurated the Adhoc Committee noted that improved relationship between Federal Government and Niger Delta region was crucial in addressing some economic challenges confronting the country.
“The bane of the the economy of Nigeria is the inability to manage the relationship between the Niger Delta because they sit atop oil wells where much of our revenue as a nation is derived from.
“Relocation by the SPDC is said to be based on security concerns today. This has generated outcry and agitation by the people and if we as a House do not address it, it may escalate and result to violence and insecurity,” Dogara observed.
The Speaker added that the onus lies on the Federal Government and the house to ensure that justice on Niger Delta region was not compromised.
He, therefore, urged the committee to come up with report that will be fair as well help in forestalling impending crisis in the Niger Delta region.
Speaking on the work-plan of the Ad-hoc Committee, Isiaka Ibrahim (APC-Ogun), stressed the need to interface with the host communities and other players in the industry.
Ibrahim who assured all the parties of fair hearing, expressed concern over the suit filed by Shell to stop the House from proceeding with the investigation, which was struck out.
“We shall engage all relevant stakeholders in order to come up with report and recommendation that would stand the test of time.
“We shall also consider all factors surrounding the conception of the decision of the SPDC planned relocation from Port Harcourt,” Ibrahim said.
