Rivers State House of Assembly has approved that the state government can negotiate an out-of-court settlement with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited and act in whatever manner necessary to achieve the best economic interest of the state in Oil Milling Lease (OML) 11 and other associated oil and gas assets.

Speaker of the House, Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani, said negotiating out of court with NNPC Limited would be in the interest of Rivers people and for the growth and development of the state.

All members of the House supported the motion. He said: “It is in order. An alternative dispute resolution solves a lot of problems in the society. It saves time and money. This is one of such situations that both parties can benefit. Alternative Dispute Resolution is a symbiotic relationship where, in most cases, neither party is aggrieved. We can see that Rivers State Government will benefit and, of course, the people. The result of this is ensuring that it brings development for our people.

“The House has given approval to Rivers State Government to go ahead with the out-of-court settlement with NNPC Limited over the state ownership case in OML and related oil and gas assets.”

MEANWHILE, a motion presented by the House Leader, Martin Amaewhule, to commend the state government on steps taken to mitigate effect of flooding on victims and to call for more support, was approved.

The motion also urged the House to send relief materials to victims through the task force on flood management set up by the government.

He said: “Here in Rivers State, many councils are affected and it is a sad omen. I am aware that Rivers State Government has already set up a task force on flood management and has released about N1 billion to cushion the effects of the flood.

“Therefore, my good self and Hon. Nathaniel Awaji move a motion to urge this Assembly to commend the Rivers State Government for the actions taken already to cushion the effect of the flood.” In this article: