BY John Odhe, YENAGOA
The member representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mr. Oboku Oforji has expressed deep concern over the huge financial losses suffered by Erasko Energy Ltd, owners of the lubricants and chemicals plant project which has suffered severe damage due to erosion attacks.
Located at the Gbarain industrial hub in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, the multi-billion naira project is a strategic private-sector driven industrial investment that commenced in 2020 as one of Nigeria’s most integrated manufacturing and production facilities.
Oforji, who was conducted round the facility by the group chairman, Mr. Maxwell Oko, expressed deep concern over the importance of the project and why it must not be allowed to be destroyed by erosion.
The lawmaker noted that the project, if completed, would not only generate employment and curb insecurity but would also generate revenue for the federal and Bayelsa State governments.
He promised to draw the attention of his colleagues to handle the situation as a matter of urgent public importance. Describing the project as capital intensive, Oforji said he would raise a motion calling for the release of ecological funds for the urgent remediation of the erosion-threatened project.
“In the first place I commend the chairman of Erasko Energy Limited for putting up this huge capital intensive project.” Looking at Oko, he said “I thank you for your commitment in ensuring that this important investment sees the light of the day. It is out of resilience that you are still here, looking at the magnitude of the challenges that are before us.
“I am told that this project is going to generate over 200 direct employments for the people here and much more than that number will be created indirectly. I know that this project is going to generate so much revenue to our state and the federation.
“Our state and the federal government, as a matter of urgency, should take this issue much more than serious, particularly the erosion issue because the revenue will go to the state and the federal government.
“Also, the state government, as a matter of urgent public importance, should do something because if this project is protected, Bayelsans are also protected.
“I am still very empathetic that the federal government, as a matter of urgent public importance, should look into this issue.
“I want to reassure the chairman of Erasko Energy Limited that I will take on this matter on the floor of parliament. The motion will be calling on the federal government and the president and Commander in chief to urgently swing into action to protect this very important asset which is owned by an indigenous firm,” Oforji promised
