The Imo State House of Assembly has passed a bill urging the State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, to demand the immediate payment of outstanding ground rents and other statutory payments, amounting to 40 billion naira from oil companies operating in the state since 1978.

As contained in the bill, the governor is expected to direct the Chairman of the Board of Internal Revenue in the state to mandate the companies to pay up all outstanding ground rent and other statutory payments owed the since the said period.

It also directed the oil companies to henceforth pay all entitlements due the state as at when due.

While deliberating on a motion moved by the member representing Oguta State Constituency, Honourable Henry Ezediaro, the House decried the continued short-changing of the state by oil companies, stating that the companies have capitalised on the peaceful disposition of the people to deny them of their rights and privileges.

The motion, which was supported by three other House members, maintained that with the present economic challenges facing the nation and its resultant effect on state governments, the House would explore all channels to assist the Executive Arm of Government in generating additional funds, to enable it render services to the people of the state.

The Lawmakers decried the actions and negligence of the plights of their host communities in the area of providing social amenities, stressing that such will no longer be tolerated.

However, a nine-man committee was set up to supervise the debt recovery, interface with the oil companies and report their findings to the House within 60 days.

•Sourced from Channels TV. Photo shows Governor Okorocha.