PIA: TROMPCON Life Patron Archianga lauds President Buhari, Senator Albert
The Petroleum Industry Act recently assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari has attracted the endorsement of the National Life Patron of Traditional Rulers of Oil Mineral Producing Communities of Nigeria (TROMPCON) and Paramount Ruler of Ibeno Local Government Area, HRM Owong (Dr.) Effiong Bassey Archianga.
The monarch, who was fielding questions from newsmen on relevant state and national issues gave his backing to the PIA, saying it is a welcome development and praised President Muhammadu Buhari and the Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources Upstream, Senator Bassey Albert Akpan, for their efforts in ensuring that the law came to fruition.
He mentioned that traditional rulers of the oil producing communities had written to the National Assembly, demanding passage of the law and 10 per cent benefits for host communities.
Noting that although only 3 per cent benefit is earmarked in the PIA for oil producing communities, the gesture should be accepted and be subjected to future review, instead of outright rejection.
“Our son, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan was there (as President) but wasn’t able to give us even 1 per cent till he left office, not to talk of the roads in South South that were in bad shape. Our plight wasn’t considered. So I really thank President Buhari and the Distinguished Senator Bassey Albert, the Chairman of Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources Upstream for his great strides in the entire processes.
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“Senator Albert has represented us very well even though he’s not from Eket Senatorial District. Meanwhile our representative here at Eket was challenging us and insulting us. However, he did the job he’s supposed to have done and may God bless him. Now, 3 per cent of host communities benefits is not enough but like a popular proverb says, “Half bread is better than none” so we accept it in good faith. However with time things will change. Dancing starts with one step before you get to three and four steps. In future it may increase to 5 per cent.”
HRM Archianga also addressed the land ownership saga between Ibeno and Esit Eket LGAs over the site of the proposed BUA Refinery.
“The land is entirely an Ibeno land. If you don’t know your boundary, you are a criminal. Now, the land in question is within Ibeno jurisdiction, so it’s an Ibeno land,” he stated.
