The Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) on Monday threw its weight behind the House of Representatives’ decision to consider all tranches of Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) and pass same together.

The group expressed the support in a statement issued by IYC Spokesman, Mr Henry Iyalla, in Yenagoa.

It said: “The National Executives of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) led by its President Barr. Eric Omare commends the Federal House of Representatives for acceding to our earlier position for the holistic passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

“This will include the Host community Fund Act and the Fiscal Regime.

“While we commend the House of Representatives for moving to ensure that the PIB is passed in its entirety, we wish to state that the definition of host communities must be made clear and unambiguous.

“Host communities must be restricted to oil and gas producing communities of the Niger Delta region and not like the 6th National Assembly that sought to extend the definition of Host Communities to the entirety of Nigeria.”

IYC stated that it views the apt response by the House of Representative on the PIB as a step in the right direction.

The group emphasised that the people of the Niger Delta Region yearns to see good and selfless leadership at the Federal level.

“We wish to state unequivocally our support for the passage of the complete PIB and hope the House members follow through with this stand irrespective of pressure from any quarters.

“The passage of the complete PIB will guarantee participation of Host communities in the management and control of her resources.

“Passage of the bill will also ensure a smooth operation of all International Oil Companies (IOC) in the Niger Delta Region,” Iyalla stated