01 February 2013, Sweetcrude, Abuja – The House of Representatives Wednesday, directed its Committee on Petroleum Resources, Upstream sector to investigate the sale of Oil Mining Licence (OML) 30 to an alleged questionable oil firm.
The order follows a motion sponsored by Hon Yusuf Tajudeen,( PDP, Kabba -Bunu/ Ijumu )Federal Constituency under Matter of Urgent National Interest.
He said the House can no longer fold it’s hands when concerns are being raised over the licence.
Yusuf submitted that sometime in November 2012, OML 30 located in the western Niger Delta area was sold to Heritage , a company managed by a British National.
“The sale of OML 30 did not factor in the right of Nigerians to know how their commonwealth is managed.”
He said, the “sale of OML 30 to Heritage Oil, a company, whose Chief Executive antecedent is allegedly unsavoury is highly disturbing.”
“The past activities of the British boss owner of Heritage Oil led to prolonged militia operations and political instability in Angola and Equitorial Guinea.”
The lawmaker explained that, “Nigeria’s involvement with a company owned by an individual whose shadowy business ethics is recognised all over the world will raise doubts about the country’s quest for growth and development.”
“When Heritage Oil commence operations, given the alleged mercenary credential of its Chief Executive may throw up security threat in the Niger Delta.”
Yusuf also warned that this development “will have adverse effect on Nigeria’s revenue, economy, infrastructural and technical development.”
The Speaker, Hon Aminu Tambuwal said “the motion was a straight one and does not require further debate.” It was subsequently referred to the Committee for further legislative duties.