Reps counters member, says statement over PIA personal

By Christiana Ekpa

The House of Representatives has said that the views expressed by a member representing Degema/Bonny Federal Constituency in River State, Cyril Hart, that the lack of the necessary investment in the oil and gas sector was a rejection of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) was his personal opinion.
Hon. Hart, who represented the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, had made the remarks at the Society of Petroleum Engineers at the 2024 Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum (SPEOLEF) held last Friday in Abuja.
The spokesman of the House, Akin Rotimi in a statement issued Wednesday, maintained that the expression was conveyed as his personal opinions and viewpoints.
He said it became imperative for the House to provide comprehensive clarification and context regarding these matters.
He said: “The statements in question purportedly emanated from Rep. Cyril Hart, who represented the Speaker at the 2024 Society of Petroleum Engineers Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum (SPEOLEF) convened in Abuja.
“While it is acknowledged that Rep. Hart delivered remarks at this esteemed forum, it is crucial to underscore that his expressions therein were conveyed as his personal opinions and viewpoints.
“It is incumbent upon us to stress that the views articulated by Rep. Hart do not reflect the official stance of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, nor do they constitute the collective perspective of the House as an institution.
“However, it is imperative to address and refute assertions suggesting a lack of confidence in the PIA.”
Rotimi added that the House operates as a diverse body with members holding a broad spectrum of opinions and viewpoints on various matters of national interest.