House of Representative want Imo included in N’Delta development plan

The House of Representatives on Thursday asked the Federal Government to include oil-producing communities in Imo State in its current plans to find a lasting solution to the problems of the Niger Delta region.

“The House directs the Ministries of Petroleum Resources and that of Niger Delta Affairs to ensure the inclusion of Imo State in all matters relating to oil-producing communities,” a resolution lawmakers passed in Abuja, stated.

The resolution followed a motion moved by the member representing Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta/Oru-West Federal Constituency of Imo State, Mr. Goodluck-Nanah Opiah.

Lawmakers had observed that over time, the government identified the problems of the Niger Delta as those of a “geographical or geopolitical area.”

They noted that the problems were more of a case of long neglect of oil-producing communities in Nigeria and not a geographical issue.

Opiah recalled that Imo State had been an oil-producing area since 1955.

“In fact, the first oil discovery was in Iho Dimeze in the present Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, though not in commercial quantity, before the subsequent discoveries in Oloibiri in commercial quantity, and other areas in the Niger Delta, Imo State in 1956, including Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta,” he added.

Lawmakers later endorsed the motion in a majority voice vote at Thursday’s session, which was presided over by the Speaker, Mr. Yakubu Dogara.