Josiah F. Joekai, Jr.
The Grassroots Alternative Movement (GAM) has officially joined the coalition of Liberian organizations and interest groups to demand the 54
th Legislature to restore the 5% equity right granted to Liberians by the Petroleum Law enacted by the 53
rd Legislature in 2016. Section 31.6 and Sub-section 36.7 of the 2016 Petroleum Law exclusively set aside 5% equity for Liberians for every oil contract signed. Unfortunately, the 54
th Legislature in 2019, amended this provision of the Law to grant the very 5% equity right to Liberian Businesses as reflected in Section 36 A, B and C of the new Petroleum Law of Liberia.
The Grassroots Alternative Movement says it takes serious exception to this overnight amendment of Section 31.6 and Sub-section 36.7 of the 2016 Petroleum Law. The amended version, 36 A, B and C of the new Petroleum Law of Liberia completely deprives Liberians of the just benefits from their own oil resource. Absolutely, there were no credible public hearings and nationwide consultations to ascertain the professional inputs of relevant experts, and most importantly, the inputs of the Liberian people. In fact, there was no need for such unacceptable change in the Petroleum Law.