By Daniel Kanu (Assistant Politics Editor)
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday lauded the Senate over the passage of the historic Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) which seeks to introduce reforms that would ensure greater transparency and accountability in the Nigerian oil and gas industry.
The party noted that “the bill had languished in the various chambers of the National Assembly for about 12 years but it took the purposeful and dedicated APC-led Senate to pass the bill.”
The party made its position known in a press release signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, and made available to our correspondent in Abuja.
“We are very excited that the bill was passed today after about 12 years delay. We specially commend the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, for his focused leadership of the 8th Senate, which has produced several legislative actions that have positively affected the lives of Nigerians, promoted good governance and advanced on-going efforts by the APC-led administration to rebuild the Country,” the party said.
“The passage of the bill is an indication that our federal legislators are diligent and reform-minded, and are committed to fulfilling the promises our party made to Nigerians.
“We call on the House of Representatives under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara to follow the example of the Senate by also promptly passing the PIB.
“The APC calls on Nigerians to continue to support and cooperate with the President Muhammadu Buhari APC-led administration and the National Assembly as they continue to make laws and execute projects to improve the well-being of Nigerians.”