News Editor
The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), as the representative of various interest groups from Northern Nigeria, has watched and carefully studied the ongoing processes for the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) which was recently laid on the respective Chambers of the National Assembly (NASS) after 13 years of indecision.
Having reviewed the contents of the proposed Bill, and thoroughly assessed its real benefits on the North in particular and Nigeria generally, the CNG notes with concern that the Bill is merely an extension of the elite monopoly of the total available economic activity in the country at the expense of ordinary Nigerian citizens with dire consequences on the northern region in particular.
The CNG, who stated this in a release signed by its Spokesperson Abdul-Azeez Suleiman noted that they are convinced that the Bill, if passed and implemented would be the final nail that will permanently seal the fate of the North economically and socially.
According to the release, the group stated categorically that the continuation of the process that may lead to the passage of the PIB as another clandestine move to further weaken the northern economy and therefore unacceptable.
The therefore demanded immediate halt of the process for the PIB in its present construction as it would invariably impact negatively on the livelihood of northern communities especially those of the far northeast and northwest who would be forced to buy fuel at a disabling inflated price.
While extending a note of warning to all northern representatives in the National Assembly that they will be held responsible for the mass sufferings that the PIB will force on northerners if they allow it to pass, the group demanded a comprehensive investigation into the alleged underhanded deals between the private operator of the refinery in Lagos and some members of the National Assembly to influence the success of the Bill which would hand the total monopoly of production, transportation, marketing and more dangerously, pricing of petroleum products.
They also called the attention of all segments of northern leadership and the credible section of northern elders and all civil society organizations in the North to rise to defend the people of the region by rejecting the PIB.
Declaring that the CNG will not hesitate to go to any length to challenge the passage of the Bill including taking legal action.
