Gabriel Jonah Demands Transparency Over PIA Funds Accruing to Nembe Community

YENAGOA – Mr. Gabriel Jonah, the National Leader of Otita Force and younger brother of former Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (retd), has called for greater transparency and accountability in the management of funds accruing to Nembe (Ogbolomabiri) under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), expressing concern that despite the huge inflow of resources, there is little visible development in the community.

Speaking on Friday, Jonah said Nembe (Ogbolomabiri) is receiving billions of naira through the PIA, but questioned the impact of the funds on the lives of residents.

According to him, the community should be witnessing meaningful and sustainable development projects that would benefit both the present and future generations.

“With such huge resources coming into the community, we should be seeing meaningful and sustainable development that will benefit the people, both now and in the future. There should be transparency and accountability in how the money is received, managed, and spent,” he said.

Jonah stressed that while he respects the traditional institution, including the King and the Chiefs Council, leadership carries the responsibility of giving the people a clear account of community resources.

He called on the leadership of the community to provide details on how the PIA funds are being received, appropriated, and utilized, as well as the long-term plans for ensuring that the resources translate into lasting benefits for the people of Nembe.

“This is not about attacking anyone. It is about speaking up for the future of Nembe (Ogbolomabiri) and ensuring that the resources coming to Nembe City are properly managed for the benefit of everyone,” he stated.

The Otita Force National Leader added that many residents are increasingly concerned about the management of the funds and warned that failure to provide adequate explanations could heighten public dissatisfaction.

“I am raising this because people are genuinely concerned. If leadership does not clearly explain how these funds are being appropriated, I worry this could spiral into something else,” Jonah said.

His comments come amid growing public interest in the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act and the management of host community development funds across oil-producing communities in the Niger Delta.