President Buhari, on Zabazaba we stand!

After patiently awaiting the next level in affirming the sincerity of the Buhari Administration’s avowed commitment to the accelerated development of the Niger Delta which is signing of the final investment decision (FID) of the Zabazaba Deepwater Project, it is disheartening to hear that the government is having second thoughts on this very important demand […]

After patiently awaiting the next level in affirming the sincerity of the Buhari Administration’s avowed commitment to the accelerated development of the Niger Delta which is signing of the final investment decision (FID) of the Zabazaba Deepwater Project, it is disheartening to hear that the government is having second thoughts on this very important demand of our people.

We have all along had confidence in the assurances of the Buhari administration that it remains focused on a timely signing of the FID but we cannot pretend not be disturbed by the utterances of some well known detractors among our elite who claim influential connections with the administration boasting about halting the process towards signing the FDI.

Mr President this should be considered as political sabotage at this electioneering period when the best news only is what we should be hearing. Moreover, it is the delay in going ahead to sign the FDI that is giving room for such negative propaganda capable of turning our people against your re-election next year.

But we remain steadfast in trusting you when you make a commitment especially to Niger Delta people. Also we have no authoritative statement on any change of mind.

However Mr President we must reiterate that the Zabazaba deepwater project means a lot to our people. It is being developed by AGIP with prospect of 500 million barrels from which immediate benefit include the floating production storage offloading (FPSO) units and other subsea installations and oil rigs that will generates immense job opportunities and transfer of know how exclusive to our benefits. Even more important is that by 2020 when AGIP wiĺl begin production as much as eight billion dollars will accrue to the national economy while multiplying the other benefits aforementioned.

Mr President without any doubt the Zabazaba deepwater project is today the most precious endowment earnestly expected by the people of Niger Delta and there is nothing better in our interest that you and our great party can bestow on us than to expedite signing the final investment decision (FDI) on the Zabazaba deepwater project.  This will not only quench the negative campaign of calumny by enemies of our people but consolidate our solidarity and support for your innovative, corrective and immensely beneficial presidency for now and later even beyond 2019 elections.

Mr President we anxiously await your immediate affirmative by signing the FDI for Zabazaba deepwater project.

 

Jackreece Perebowei Stallion, Niger Delta Advocates for Political Inclusion, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State