- Tinubu Not to Blame for Economic Woes — HOSTCOM Chairman
- He commended lawmakers for their efforts in combating oil theft
- He applauded northern oil-producing states
The Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM) on Sunday declared their support for President Bola Tinubu, asserting that the ongoing economic hardship in the country is not his fault.
Eko Hot Blog reports that during a press briefing in Abuja, the National Chairman of HOSTCOM, Prince Michael Emuh, defended the President’s economic reforms and urged Nigerians to rally behind the administration’s recovery efforts.
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Emuh emphasized that the current government inherited a struggling economy, stressing the need for national unity and constructive engagement.
He said, “Criticising a government does not build a nation—collaborating with it does. We urge the host communities and the nation at large to stand behind Mr. President.
Even the Holy Scriptures say: “Encourage the weak.”
“If we want a better Nigeria, then let us support our leaders constructively. President Tinubu inherited a fragile economy. But together, we can rise again.”
He also commended lawmakers such as Senator Benson Agadaga and Senator Ned Nwoko for their efforts in combating oil theft and advancing environmental justice. He applauded northern oil-producing states for their collaboration with southern leaders in pushing for equity in the oil and gas sector.
“Leaders from Nasarawa, Gombe, Bauchi, and Kogi States joined forces with Chief Dr. Wellington Okrika and other southern leaders. This is the unity Nigeria needs!” he said.
Emuh renewed calls for pipeline surveillance contracts to be awarded to trained youths from host communities, revealing that over 10,000 trained Niger Delta youths remain unemployed despite repeated meetings with top security officials.
“We are not thugs. We are not violent. We are patriots. Ignoring the trained youth only pushes them back to the creeks. That is a risk Nigeria cannot afford,” he warned.
He praised Tantita Security Services and Ocean Marine Solutions (OMS) for their role in improving regional security, but stressed the importance of involving host communities in achieving lasting peace.
Emuh also made a strong appeal for the settlement of all outstanding debts owed to host communities, noting that the funds are vital for empowering women, training youths, and strengthening traditional institutions.
“Corruption, kidnapping, and terrorism are enemies of our collective future. Nigeria is too rich to be this poor. We must rise above greed. We must fear God. And we must accommodate one another as brothers and sisters under one green-white-green flag,” he said.
In his closing remarks, Emuh called on the federal government to engage directly with host communities rather than recognizing only those who use violence.
“Enough of rewarding noise and violence. We are the Host Communities of Nigeria. We are ready to build. We are ready to secure. We are ready to serve. All we ask is: Involve us now.”
