Rivers Peaceful, Conducive For Investments, Reps Affirm
…Urge Police’s Neutrality In Political Crisis
From MAUREEN DICK, Port Harcourt
The leaderships of the midstream and downstream sub-sectors of Nigeria’s petroleum industry have affirmed that Rivers State is peaceful, hospitable and conducive for investments.
They urged potential investors around the world to discountenance negative narratives about political crisis by “enemies” of the State, and make strategic decisions to invest in Africa’s largest hydrocarbon hub, for exciting returns on investment for shareholders and other stakeholders.
Chairmen of the House of Representatives Joint Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream and Midstream), Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere (PDP Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency, Imo State); and Henry Odianosen Okojie (Esan North East/Esan South East Federal Constituency, Edo State) made the affirmation in their separate remarks at the three-day retreat of the joint committee in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
About 100 actors in the sector participated in the retreat that ended, out of which no fewer than 80 are legislators representing federal constituencies across the six geopolitical zones of the country, while others represented oil and gas companies, major and independent marketers, refineries and petrochemicals firms, among others.
Ugochinyere said that the State is peaceful because of the good leadership and responsible governance approach adopted by the Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, who has remained focused on the ball, while facilitating the ease of doing business and creating the right policies to enable investments to thrive in the State.
He added that if the State was not peaceful, the huge number of National Assembly committees on oversight functions, and the litany of investors and other corporate institutions who have visited the State over the last couple of months to explore abounding opportunities would not have been possible, and advised Nigerians and the international community to disregard those trying to demarket the State.
Ugochinyere said: “We are gathered here in Port Harcourt, united by a shared commitment to enhance our regulatory frameworks, promote transparency, and foster sustainable development in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
“I extend my sincere gratitude to His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for graciously hosting us and for his unwavering support. Your leadership and hospitality are greatly appreciated”.
Speaking earlier, he said: “Today is not a day for politics. We are here in Rivers State for development purposes. We want to appeal to the IGP (Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun), here (Rivers State) has been very peaceful. That is why our retreat is holding in Rivers State. If Rivers State is not peaceful, over 80 federal lawmakers from the midstream and downstream petroleum sector will not be coming here for their three-day retreat.
“We will want this peace to continue. That is why we are appealing to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) not to take sides in this crisis. He should allow the rule of law to prevail, and stop aiding, in any way, the other side who are from Abuja.”
Speaking further on the role of the Police in the political crisis in the State, Ugochinyere said: “But, I must say this as a Nigerian, not because I belong to any interest or divide in the struggle. That, respecting the rights of the people must be paramount to the Police Force. The Police must not act in a way that they are seen as giving undue advantage to the Abuja politician.
“The Governor ( Siminalayi Fubara) deserves some respect; the people of Rivers State deserve some respect. Indiscriminate arrests, indiscriminate attacks, these are things that are not welcome, and are not acceptable in any democratic setting.”
Speaking on the retreat, Ugochinyere added that the peaceful atmosphere in the State was evident in the congenial and enabling environment for fruitful dialogue and thriving investments and businesses, and a clear contrast to what detractors of the State were painting in their orchestrated political crisis.
He stated that the retreat was pivotal in changing the narratives, and provides stakeholders with robust platform to deliberate on burning issues while exploring strategic solutions for the betterment of the industry.
The leader of the G-60 lawmakers further said, “As we commence this retreat, I wish to emphasize the significance of our gathering. The Petroleum Sector remains the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, and it is incumbent upon us to ensure its efficiency, transparency and sustainability. Our discussions over the next few days will be instrumental in shaping the future of this vital industry.
“We are privileged to have an array of distinguished speakers and experts who will share their insights on various aspects of the petroleum industry, from understanding objectives and significance of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), to exploring the roles and responsibilities of the newly established regulatory bodies.
“Our ongoing forensic legislative investigation into the anomalies within the oil and gas sector is crucial for restoring trust and ensuring integrity in our industry. We are addressing allegations concerning the importation of substandard petroleum products, non-availability of crude oil supply to domestic refineries and other critical issues that threaten the stability and security of our petroleum sector.”
Speaking on the ease of doing business in the State, Ugochinyere specifically named Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals and Fertiliser Company as one example of the litany of thriving investments in Rivers State, which shareholders are genuinely proud of, saying that more of such businesses populate the State, making it an enticing environment for investors.
In his remarks, Okojie, said: “We gather here in the dynamic city of Port Harcourt, at the prestigious Presidential Hotel, under the theme; ‘Enhancing Regulatory Frameworks, Promoting Transparency, and Fostering Sustainable Development in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Sector.’ This retreat is a critical convergence of minds and efforts aimed at addressing the pressing issues and exploring the immense opportunities within our sector.”
Represented by member representing Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State, Marie Enenimiete Ebikake, Okojie said, “I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, our host, for his unwavering support and warm hospitality. We are truly honoured to be in the presence of such distinguished leadership.”
He added that the story of the success of the oil and gas industry cannot be written in Nigeria without Rivers State, as a dominant hub, which has played a key role in the development and transformation of the nation’s economy.