Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike says the country’s economy will remain vulnerable and weak if oil theft, illegal oil bunkering and artisanal refining of crude oil continue unabated.
Governor Wike said this while commissioning 14 ballistic gunboats, donated by the Rivers State Government to the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Army, Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, recently, for the fight against oil theft.
The governor pointedly explained that the seeming frustration in the fight against oil theft and illegal refining of crude oil was caused by security personnel, who were deeply involved in the illegal activity or providing cover for the criminals.
He explained that the oil and gas sector was the mainstay of the nation’s economy and Nigerians owe it as a duty to ensure that the country’s economy was salvaged.
“Most of the problem we have with illegal oil bunkering is that security agencies are fully involved in this illegal oil bunkering. That’s the truth. Civil Defence is involved. Army is involved. Police is involved. Navy is involved. Let us tell ourselves the simple truth.
“All of us we owe it a duty to see how we can salvage this country. 80 percent of the revenue of this country comes from oil and if we cannot reduce or stop this illegal oil bunkering this country is in for problem. And so, we must all work together to help this country.”
Wike said his administration has remained committed to the fight against illegal oil bunkering and achieved tremendous results leading to reduced soot and oil theft.
He urged the Group Managing Director of NNPC to discharge requisite corporate social responsibilities due the State, similar to what NNPC was doing elsewhere; instead of commending the Rivers State Government for the feat, which he said has made oil production level go up.
Follow us on twitter
