Bayelsa Gov commends military for tackling crude oil theft
Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has commended the military for its impact on the reduction of crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region saying the state will work with the Defence Headquarters Joint Monitoring Team to further curb the menace including pipeline vandalism.
Diri, who stated this on Monday when the joint monitoring team led by Major General Jamil Jimoh paid him a courtesy call at the Government House, Yenagoa, also expressed delight that the military is now leading the charge to change the narrative on oil bunkering in the region.
He expressed optimism that the collaboration among security agencies and major stakeholders in the oil industry would go a long way to stem the tide of oil theft and increase production saying the state had already demonstrated its commitment in curbing crude theft, pipeline vandalism and environmental pollution.
The governor said his administration has established committees at the local government level in addition to embarking on advocacy through jingles and other means to reorientate the youths on the need to shun crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
He acknowledged that improvement in crude oil production from the state would translate to increased allocation from the 13% derivation fund denouncing the ongoing system where federating states go cap in hand to Abuja monthly to share revenue.
Diri also used the occasion to call for the adoption of true federalism where states would be allowed to exploit their resources and pay taxes to the centre in order to encourage them to develop at their own pace.
He urged oil companies operating in the region to replace worn-out equipment to avoid frequent equipment failure and subsequent oil spills that they blame on sabotage.
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He said, “As a state, we have actually started working on it. Before now, there have been accusations that the military and other security agencies were involved in oil theft.
“But, it is the military that is now taking the lead among other security agencies. I can see the police and the NSCDC also represented in the committee. So it means we are all now closing ranks.
“It is very sad for us to hear that our own military is accused of involvement in oil theft. It is as if there is no end to it and the sabotage in our region. If security forces that are supposed to work with civilian authorities to bring this to an end are also involved, then there will be no end to it.
“So, I’m happy that you are taking this lead, and I can assure you of our support. We will support you and work with you to ensure that oil production is shored up and our environment is not polluted the way it is. So rest assured that at all times the government of Bayelsa State is ready to collaborate with you.”
Earlier, the leader of the team, General Jamil Jimoh, solicited the support of the state government to enable them to effectively combat oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the state.
Jimoh commended Governor Diri for his developmental strides and efforts made to curb the menace in the state saying his team has the responsibility of ensuring the security of oil facilities in the Niger Delta and improved crude oil production.
