Dickson worried over activities of oil thieves

[Mirror]

Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State at the weekend expressed worries over the activities of oil thieves in the Niger Delta and observed that the trend could pose a great threat to the nation's economy and security.

Dickson berated the impunity with which operators of illegal bunkering, sea piracy and pipeline vandalism undermine constituted authority for their selfish gains. The Governor bared his mind in the state capital when the new Flag Officer Commanding ,Central Naval Command, Yenagoa,Rear Admiral Sidi-Alli Usman visited him,attributed the proliferation of small and light weapons to such activities in the littoral states.

The Governor regretted that the oil thieves have been able to sustain their operations over the years through the proceeds from illegal bunkering activities. He said: "What is going on is more of a threat to national security than even the loss of revenue that everybody is shouting about. Let me tell you that all the violence, brigandage and criminality that we experience in the Niger Delta states particularly Bayelsa where I know more, have their roots in the activities in the creeks." Continuing:"It is from there they have easy funds to recruit followers.

It is from these activities of crude oil theft and illegal refining that people are able to sustain such large numbers of youths and put them into various cult groups. What is going on has a direct effect on the proliferation of small and light weapons because they need an army of youths to protect their territories to be able to withstand the onslaught of legitimate security personnel." Dickson warned cultists who have defied the olive branch extended to them by the state government to have a change of attitude ,stressing that his administration would not hesitate to bring them to justice.

His words: "For those who have defied the Cultism Proscription law, in spite of the olive branch we have put forward and arrangement for their renunciation and eventual integration ,but still want to go ahead with cult activities, I am sounding a clear note of warning that this government will not succumb to blackmail or propaganda. This government will work with security agencies in this state to ensure that those who violate the laws of this state and country will be brought to book."

The Governor solicited for maximum cooperation from the security agencies especially the Nigerian Navy to enable it achieve government's policy on zero tolerance on violence and crime. While describing the establishment of the Naval Command in the state as significant, Dickson said the Navy had a vital role to play in policing waterways,considering the coastal nature of the state.

Earlier, the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Sidi-Ali Usman, who assumed duty about three weeks ago said he was determined to curb oil theft and other criminal activities in line with federal government's mandate.

National Mirror