The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) on Monday advocated the speedy consideration of other tranches of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) that concerns the host communities.

IYC described the May 25 passage of the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) ahead of the Petroleum Host Community Fund Bill as being tantamount to showing insensitivity to the plight of the Niger Delta region.

A statement issued in Yenagoa by Henry Iyalla, Spokesman of IYC, also described the fragmentation of the PIB into tranches as being counterproductive and time-wasting.

He said that the Niger Delta people had expected the tranche of the PIB relevant to the region to be given expedited attention in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to resolving the Niger Delta question.

Said the statement, “It is unfortunate that at a time when we expect the government to show commitment in the development of the region we have to contend with the celebration of an ill-conceived idea to divide the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) into mushroom bits.

“We wish to state expressly that the only PIB bill that will ensure peace in the region and be celebrated by all is one that includes the Oil Communities Fund Act.

“The proposed Oil Communities Act gives the Niger Delta people a stake in the industry and provides avenues to alleviate the suffering of the people in the region.

“Without the passage of this bill any governance structure put in place will not succeed.

“The National Assembly should immediately take further steps for the quick passage of the Host Community Bill which guarantees 10% equity to the community.”

Iyalla noted that Niger Delta people want smooth governance of exploitation and exploration of the abundant oil reserve within the region with the economic interest of host communities adequately protected in the laws.

IYC maintained that passage of the complete PIB is the only guarantee for a smooth and conducive operational environment in the Niger Delta.

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