Senator representing Kogi East Senatorial District, Isaac Mohammed Alfa has assured that the bill to “recognise Kogi as an oil producing state” which was rejected at Wednesday’s plenary would be passed in future.
The lawmaker in his lead debate at the plenary insisted that the OPLs 915 and 916 crude oil are within the basin of Ibaji local government areas of Kogi State.
In his clarification at a press conference after plenary, he said that 53% of oil being produced by Orient Oil in Anambra State comes from the affected OPLs, saying that once the grey areas noticed by the Senate were addressed, Kogi would become an oil-producing state.
“The purpose of being here today is with regards to the motion I moved stating that Kogi State be declared an oil-producing state.”
“53% of oil from Anambra basin comes from oil well in Kogi State, the oil that is being produced now”, Isaac insisted.
“From my own assessment, it was a successful motion. It was not rejected 100%. Even at that, Kogi wasn’t rejected but because of the sensitive nature of the contiguous communities, Senate needed rigorous work before passing the law.
“Senate has directed its Committee on oil and gas (upstream) to conclude reports within two weeks.
“I have a reason for moving the motion. My position as a Senator wears two caps. I am a lawmaker and a Senator representing Kogi East Senatorial District.
”As a Senator representing Kogi East today, I am the highest political office holder in my districts and I have an obligation to represent their interest. ”
Senator Tayo Alasoadura, Chairman of Senate Committee on Petroleum who has not been forthcoming on the controversial issue was not willing to speak when visited his office.
