The Imo State House of Assembly has passed a bill urging the Imo State governor Rochas Okorocha, to demand the immediate payment of outstanding ground rents and other statutory payments amounting to 40 billion Naira from oil companies operating in the state since 1978. 

While deliberating on a motion moved by the member representing Oguta constituency the oil producing area of Imo State, Hon Henry Ezediaro, the House decried the continued short changing of the state by oil companies, stating that, the companies have capitalized on the peaceful disposition of the people to deny them of their rights and privileges.

The motion which was supported by 3 other House members maintained that with the present economic meltdown facing the Nigerian economy and its resultant effect on state governments, the House will at a time like this; explore all channels to assist the Executive Arm of government to generate funds to enable it render services to the people of the state.

The bill urged the governor to direct the chairman of the Board of Internal Revenue in the state, to mandate the companies to pay up all outstanding ground rent and other statutory payments owed the state since 1978.

It also directed the oil companies to comply and henceforth pay all entitlements due the state as at when due.

The lawmakers decried the actions and negligence of their host communities in the area of providing social amenities and that such will no longer be tolerated.

However, a nine-man committee was set up to supervise the debt recovery, interface with the oil companies and report their findings to the House within a time frame of 60 days.