A one-time Akwa Ibom governor, Victor Attah has rejected the report of the ruling All Progressives Party, APC, on restructuring that recommends the re-introduction of obnoxious onshore/offshore oil dichotomy in the country.
A section of report of the APC’s Restructuring Committee headed by Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El Rufai states ” if this amendment that we are proposing is passed, it means that all minerals including oil and gas that are onshore will be vested in the states of the federation. However, all offshore oil shall remain absolutely vested in the government of the federation.”
Attah bared his mind Thursday to Government House reporters while in company of a delegation from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, led by Engr. Ita Awak, the Director of Air Worthiness Standard that paid a courtesy visit on Governor Udom Emmanuel at Government House, Uyo. The ex-governor described “the idea is unacceptable. It is unfortunate if the report of the restructuring committee suggested the re-introduction of any form of dichotomy.”
According to him, “they are talking about 200 metres isobar, I don’t accept that because there can only be one boundary to a country and that boundary is defined by the aggregate boundaries of the components parts. That is the federating unit.
“So, if there is a boundary for Nigeria that is at the economic zone, the boundary of any litorral state must also be out at the economic zone and that is final.”
Attah, a delegate to the 2014 Constitutional Conference advocated implementation of true federalism by lending his voice clamouring for state police in the country.
He, however, commended the Federal Government for taking interest in the on-going efforts of Governor Emmanuel’s administration to ensure completion and utilisation of the Maintenance, Repairs and Overhaul, MRO, facilities at Akwa Ibom International Airport.
The ex-governor, who initiated the airport project during his tenure, said he was satisfied that his endeavors at convincing individuals about the superb quality of the MRO facilities in Akwa Ibom Airport, has eventually paid off, hoping that the yearnings of Nigerians for a functional MRO in the country would soon be fulfilled.
“I kept trying to convince people that you cannot come close to the quality of the MRO facilities that we have in Akwa Ibom. I’m glad the team is here and they are convinced. That is why I am excited and satisfied,” Obong Attah stated
Engr. Awak said the team was in the state to assess the condition of the MRO facilities at the Ibom Airport adjudged one of the best in Africa.
While expressing delight at the quality of the facility, Awak pointed out that the regulatory body would intimate the state government on necessary measures to be taken to meet the required standards for a full-fledged MRO.
Awak, who acknowledged that Nigeria aviation industry recorded zero accidents between 2016 and 2017, explained that the NCAA was reviewing issues related to maintenance culture to ensure safety of passengers and airlines, hoping that Akwa Ibom government would take on necessary investments to encourage partnership from the federal government.
