The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has called on the National Assembly to rescind their decision to drop the Host Community Fund (HCF) from the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB)

MOSOP President, Comrade Legborsi Saro Pyagbara, stressed this on Monday in Port Harcourt while speaking with journalists. He said that the removal of the Host Community Fund in the current PIB by the 8th Assembly is detrimental to the economic survival of the Niger Delta people and should be stoutly resisted.

Comrade Pyagbara told journalist that the passage of the PIB bill is over-due in the National Assembly and the purported removal of the Host Community Fund which is the backbone of the bill is uncalled for and is an invitation to anarchy as this is the only part of the bill that assures community participation in the entire oil industry.

He stressed that if the Host Community Fund is removed as has been speculated, what hope will the host community who has suffered pain, environmental degradation and pollution arising from oil spill that has over the years impoverish the people.

The MOSOP President therefore, tasked the 8th Assembly to retrace their step and not to invite the wrath of the Niger Delta People that has supported the country economically but has nothing to show for it since oil exploration and exploitation in the region.

•Photo shows Comrade Pyagbara.