Sack Lukman Now, Oil Communities Urge FG

BY LEO ATAKPU

Oil producing Communities in the Niger Delta have thrown their weight behind the South- South Governors calling for the removal of the Minister of Petroleum Resources Dr. Rilwanu Lukman even as they demand greater transparency and accountability of oil revenue flowing to the region.

A communiqué issued at the end of a two- day workshop organized by the Africa Network For Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) at Semos Hotel Effurun, Delta and signed by Delta, Edo host oil producing communities, participants equally said the planned movement of the University of Petroleum Technology from Effurum to Kaduna was totally unacceptably to the people of Niger Delta.

Participants noted that the Petroleum industry Bill currently before the National Assembly does not meet the aspiration of Niger Delta people and as such urged the establishment of Oil Producing Areas Trust Fund to be funded by the Federal Government, States, Local Governments and Oil majors.

While appreciating the progressive moves of the South- South Governors on the Niger Delta question the over 43 representatives of various groups urged the governors to carry the host communities producing oil and gas along in their agitations and negotiations.

The communiqué while condemning the military action in the region called on the Federal Government to pay adequate compensation to all communities destroyed during the military raid as well as rehabilitate all displaced families.

The communiqué which equally called for the review of the derivation revenue from the current 13% to 50 per cent, called on the Delta and Edo States Houses of Assembly to immediately commence the review of DESOPADEC and EDSOGPADEC Law to make oil revenue of more benefit to the people.

The communique was signed by Hon. Benjamin Iwetan, chairman Host communities Producing Oil and Gas Delta State chapter, Aiyeki Okpamen, PRO Edo State chapter, Innocent Edemhanria, ANEEJ and Mary Fuludu, Niger Delta Women Forum.