The House of Representatives has cautioned the
federal government on its use of force in its
attempt to stop the attacks on oil facilities by the
Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) in the region.
It advocated the formulation of a sustainable plan
to end militancy in the region, rather than the
confrontational approach being adopted.
The House also appealed to the (NDA), to cease the
incessant attacks on oil pipelines and facilities and
embrace dialogue.
Hon. Ekpenyong Ayi (Cross River PDP) and 30
others, in a motion, called for improved funding of
the amnesty programme and a strategic plan to end
militancy on the region.
The amnesty programme of late President Umaru
Musa Yar’Adua was instrumental to the rise on oil
revenues and curbing militant activities in the
region, Ayi recalled.
“The incessant attacks on oil facilities have led to
Nigeria losing its place as Africa’s largest oil
producer because it’s oil output has fallen to a 22
year low of 1.4 million barrels per day against the
budgetary target of 2.2mbpd,” he said.
Ayi added that the huge slash in the budget for the
amnesty programme from N55billion to N20billion
threatens its sustainability.
“This has led to a resurgence of militancy, as the
militants are being owed arrears of stipends which
have in turned to slump in oil production, “the
lawmaker said
The attacks, he added, have contributed to the low
electricity output.
Meanwhile an executive session by members of the
House of Representatives yesterday turned into a
stormy session as the lawmakers argued over the
choice of vehicles to be purchased for their
oversight functions.
Some of the lawmakers favoured the Prado Land
Cruiser Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) purchased for
their Senate counterparts, while others argued in
favour of the Toyota Camry 2016 model. Others
expressed preference for the Peugeot 508.
The lawmakers espoused the advantages of their
choices over the others. Those who canvassed for
the Prado SUV pointed out its ability to smoothly
navigate tough terrains, while the Camry advocates
argued for its understated elegance alongside its
durability.
A lawmaker who spoke with THISDAY off record,
disclosed that tells champions of the Peugeot 508
noted that the manufacturer now assembles in
Nigeria.
“We are talking about ‘buy Naija’,” the lawmaker
said.
THISDAY gathered that most of the first timers
preferred the Prado SUV, while old members
okayed the other two choices.
“But with the slash in our budget, it is surprising
that some would still want us to buy Prado suit,”
the lawmaker added.
Chairman of the Committee on Media and Public
Affairs, Hon. Abdulrazak Namdas, a few weeks ago
had said the House would purchase 360 Peugeot
508 cars for each of its members for their oversight
functions.
Thisday
