Diri made the call on Tuesday when the new commander of the joint military task force, Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Eugenio Ferreira, and other officers paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Yenagoa.
Describing the Act as “a time bomb, he noted that the amendement is sacrosanct in order to address the flaws in the legislation.
According to him, the Act’s review would go a long way in tackling the ongoing crisis between oil companies and their host communities.
He however expressed happiness that the petroleum industry now has an Act that guides its operations, but stressed the urgent need for an amendment which he says will enhance conflict resolution between oil companies and their host communities.
He said: “We are happy we have a PIA that guides the industry. However, we saw a lot of flaws even before the Bill was passed. At that point, l referred to the Act as a time bomb.
“I also said that there would still be a serious crisis between the oil producing communities and oil companies and by extension, the federal government. One of such indications is that the federal government in that Act successfully excluded the state and local governments to deal directly with the communities.
“In recent times, we have started seeing a crisis between the communities and oil companies over the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and other issues. And the state governments have been called to intervene. So that Act needs further amendment.”
Speaking further, Diri noted that his admnistration will not support anyone involved in oil theft, illegall oil refining or any illegal acts that is unfavourable to the general good of the people of the state.
He said, “While as a government, we would not support anybody involved in oil theft, illegal oil refining and all other acts that contribute to pollution, underdevelopment and killings, we would also like to state that the best way to tackle the issues is to fast-track development to these areas. We can assure you that these same people will become protectors of oil installations domiciled in the Niger Delta.”
