FG Can’t Stop Illegal Oil Bunkering, Refining Since Its Security Agencies Are Complicit – Gov Wike Alleges

The Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, has blamed the failure of the Federal Government  to rein in those engaged  in illegal oil bunkering and refining on the complicity of its security agencies.

Wike also alleged that the bane of Nigeria’s seeming endless woes over the years had been the lack of steadfast leadership committed to national development.

He made this known when the participants of the Strategic Management and Policy Studies Course 4/2021 of the Nigeria Army Resource Centre, Abuja led by Major General James. G.K. Myam paid him a courtesy call at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

He said that the State government and other stakeholders had, over the years, complained about the devastating impact of illegal oil bunkering on the national economy and artisanal refining on the State’s environment, but the Federal Government deliberately refused to provide the necessary leadership required to end the menace.

Wike said: “Go and see what we have done, is to show leadership. The Federal Government could not stop oil bunkering here because security men were involved. Police was involved , Civil Defence was involved, Army was involved, Navy was involved. So, nobody would be able to stand firm to end it.

“Look at the sabotage of the national economy of Nigeria through illegal oil bunkering. Look at the soot, Rivers people were dying, but we said no we will not allow this again and we took the bull by the horns.”

The governor explained that he had to personally visit some of the illegal oil refining sites to demonstrate that his administration will not condone  the activities of those endangering the health of residents of the State and sabotaging the national economy.

Governor Wike said it is worrisome that people working in the oil industry are also part of the cartel involved in illegal oil bunkering and artisanal refining. He regretted that the Federal Government is reluctant to decisively deal with those destroying the national economy and environment.

“Leadership is key. There is nothing wrong with Nigeria other than leadership. The ability to take decisions and implement that decision.”

He commended the participants of the Strategic Management and Policy Studies Course 4/2021 of the Nigeria Army Resource Centre for visiting the State, but regretted that the recommendations that will be contained in their research work at the end of the programme will never be implemented by the government.

Governor Wike warned that unless the Federal Government tackled the nagging problem of insecurity, it will never be able to address the economic challenges facing the country.

The leader of the delegation, Major General James. G. K. Myam said  they are in Rivers State to visit some strategic industries and study their  strategies, management, policy and see how they impact on national security.

He said the theme for the local study tour is: “The Effect of A Distressing Economy On Small And Medium Enterprises Due To The Covid-19 Pandemic.”