The House of Representatives on Friday adopted the Conference Committee Report on the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), voting 3 per cent for host communities in the oil-producing areas despite not listing it on the Order paper for consideration.
The report had been stepped down by the House on Thursday following outrage by Niger Delta lawmakers who insisted on having the 5% initially approved.
The said 3% host community clause was passed after opposition members had angrily stormed out of the chamber in protest against the goings-on concerning the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.
According to The Nation, as soon as members of the Minority caucus walked out of the Chamber, there were shouts of PIB, PIB, PIB by members.
The report was a subsection submitted by Chief Whip, Hon Tahir Mongunu.
The Speaker, Rt.Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila explained the laying of the conference report on the PIB followed the rules of the House.
“I need to explain the rationale behind the laying of this report. Yesterday, I stepped down the laying of this report so that we get to the Senate and see how to resolve the issue.
“But unfortunately, by the time we got to the Senate, they had already resolved and taken a decision. So, there was nothing that we can do.
“It is left for us to deliberate on the report, accept it or reject it. This PIB will not go the same way as others. It is unfortunate that our colleagues are not here. If there is any amendment to be done, that will be done in the future”.
Deputy Minority Whip, Hon Nkiruka made efforts to make the House suspend consideration of the report but to no avail.
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