The governments of Kano and Kaduna states have stoutly opposed the proposed Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). Kano State Governor, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, made known the position of his administration today at the public hearing in Kaduna for the North-West zone organised by the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on the Bill.

Kwankwaso in his submission to the committee headed by Hon Dakuku Peterside prayed that in the interest of national unity, equity and fairness the committee should expunge sections 116, 117 and 118 and some other sections in the Bill.

He argued that the major problem of the petroleum industry and indeed the nation in general is failure to get rid of corruption, saying that if “we try to adjust by being patriotic, honest and prudent, Nigeria would be a different place to live.”

Kwankwaso maintained that Kano State today remains a good reference point among states in the federation in terms of judicious use of resources for the overall development of the state, adding: “Our revolutionary achievements in the areas of education, infrastructural development, human capacity building, women and youths empowerment and general improvement in our service delivery are clear testimony to the fact that states can record tremendous achievements by taking a leaf out of Kano State’s book.”

The governor disclosed that the secret behind these feats is the Kano State Government’s policy of zero tolerance for corruption and embezzlement of public funds as well as adopting principles of honesty, commitment, patriotism and above all the belief in holding public office as a trust accountable here on earth and before our creator in the hearafter.

Also in his submission to the committee, a prominent northern elite, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, kicked against the Bill, saying that 34 years ago the revenue that the north contributed was more than that of the south. He stressed that there is nothing like oil producing states because God has endowed Nigeria with oil.

The Kaduna State Government also kicked against the Bill. The government position was made known by the Hauwa Sani who represented the state government at the occasion. She said that issue of host community in the Bill is not even supposed to come up and also complained about the issue of excessive powers given to the Minister of Petroleum in the Bill.

Other participating stakeholders at occasion like All Northern People’s Union described the Bill as fraudulent, insisting hat there is no need for it as it is not in the interest of the north.

•Photo shows Governor Kwankwaso of Kano State.

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