Governor, Rochas Okorocha, to demand the immediate payment of
outstanding ground rents and other statutory payments, amounting to 40
billion Naira from Oil companies operating in the state since 1978.
As contained in the bill, the Governor is expected to direct the
Chairman of the Board of Internal Revenue in the state to mandate the
companies to pay up all outstanding ground rent and other statutory
payments owed the since the said period.
It also directed the oil companies to comply and henceforth pay all
entitlements due the state as at when due.
While deliberating on a motion moved by the member representing Oguta
State Constituency, Honourable Henry Ezediaro, the House decried the
continued short-changing of the state by oil companies, stating that
the companies have capitalised on the peaceful disposition of the
people to deny them of their rights and privileges.
The motion, which was supported by three other House members,
maintained that with the present economic challenges facing the nation
and its resultant effect on state governments, the House would explore
all channels to assist the Executive Arm of Government in generating
additional funds, to enable it render services to the people of the
state.
The Lawmakers decried the actions and negligence of the plights of
their host communities in the area of providing social amenities,
stressing that such will no longer be tolerated.
However, a nine-man committee was set up to supervise the debt
recovery, interface with the oil companies and report their findings
to the House within 60 days.
—ChannelsTV
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