The Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas on Sunday threw its weight behind President Bola Tinubu, saying the current economic hardship rocking the country is not his fault.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja, the National Chairman of HOSTCOM, Prince Michael Emuh, rose to defend the President’s economic reforms.
While reiterating that the present administration inherited a battered economy, Emuh urged Nigerians to support the ongoing recovery efforts.
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.
“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.”
The HOSTCOM chairman also praised lawmakers like Senator Benson Agadaga and Senator Ned Nwoko for their legislative efforts in tackling oil theft and promoting environmental justice, while applauding northern oil-bearing states for joining the advocacy for equity.
“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 also renewed calls for pipeline surveillance contracts to be awarded to youths from host communities, saying over 10,000 trained Niger Delta youths remain unemployed despite 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.
While commending Tantita Security Services and OMS for their contributions to security in the region, he emphasised the importance of partnering with host communities for sustainable peace.
He concluded with a passionate appeal for the release of all outstanding debts owed to host communities, noting that the funds are essential 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 urged the federal government to engage directly with host communities rather than violent actors.
“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.”
