Uyo – Mr Onofiok Luke, Speaker, Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, has called on members of the National Assembly to expedite action to pass the Petroleum Industry Bill.
Luke made the call on Thursday during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Nigeria Bar Association held in Oron Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom.
He said that the passage of the bill would fast track development in the country especially in the Niger Delta region.
He charged lawyers to join in the agitation for speedy passage of the bill by the federal lawmakers
Luke noted that passage of the bill by the National Assembly and the president’s assent would help to reduce agitation from the oil rich region.
“Let me use this opportunity to urge our colleagues in the National Assembly to expeditiously see to the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill.
“Let me urge members of this noble profession to agitate for the passage of the bill with the relevamt clauses and provisions that will enhance the development of the Niger Delta region,’’ Luke said.
The speaker attributed one of the reasons for the delay in passing the bill to the multiple ethnic nationalities in the country with various degrees of interests.
He said that several bills were still pending in the various Houses of Assembly due to political interest.
“This is a major challenge against the passage of some important bills in most parts of the country.”
Highlight of the AGM was the inauguration of a new executive led by Mr Edet Atada, to pilot the affairs of the lawyers.
In his acceptance speech, Atada promised that his administration would give the welfare of members’ top priority. (NAN)