
The Bayelsa state chapter of Host Communities of Nigeria Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM) have applauded President Muhammadu Buhari’s appointment of former Gov. Timipre Sylva as Minister.
HOSTCOM comprising over 300 affiliated communities said that the appointment of Sylva as Minister of State for Petroleum will transform the oil and gas sector.
HOSTCOM which said they are grateful to President Buhari for appointing their son as Minister, said that Chief Sylva will no doubt bring his wealth of experience to bear.
The group made the position known in a statement signed by the state’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Shally Theophilus
HOSTCOM noted that the assignment of the petroleum portfolio to Sylva was in realization of Bayelsa’s position as the live-wire of the economy of the country and the hub of oil and gas production in Nigeria.
The statement quoted Bayelsa Chairman of HOSTCOM, Chief Boma Albert Kerekebunah as saying they will support the minister as he brings his wealth of experience to bear in turning around the sad trajectory of the oil and gas sector.
According to him, Sylva has the expertise to reposition the ministry to that of pride and glory for the entire benefit of the nation.
The HOSTCOM chairman urged the Minister to use his good office to address the challenges faced by the state especially in bringing onstream the Brass LNG project which has remained in the pipeline.
“We also expect that you will intervene in the relocation of oil companies’ headquarters to the Niger Delta as directed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as the then Acting President.
The group also demanded the “citing of Modular Refineries in Bayelsa which will help the development of the state and reduce youth restiveness.”