Oil theft and illegal refinery undermine is a threat to economic stability…,.Gov. Fubara
by Emmanuel Abi Couson
Nigeria Chief of Defence Staff, (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has reaffirmed the commitment of the security agencies resolve to achieving President Bola Tinubu’s goal of boosting Nigeria’s crude oil production to 2.2 million barrels per day by December 2024 just as Governor Siminalayi Fubara has taken a swipe at those engaging in oil theft and illegal refining of petroleum products.
The CDS speaking at Government House Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Wednesday 11, announced the creation of two key committees: the Defence Joint Monitoring Team and the Defence Joint Intelligence Infusion Centre.
These bodies, he said having been set up by Defence Headquarters, are to work in coordination with other military units and state governments to address the ongoing problem of oil theft.
General Musa explained that the committees, which include state government representatives, were established to fill operational gaps identified in the efforts to combat crude oil theft. “For us to achieve the mandate given by the Commander-in-Chief, we need to approach things differently,” Musa said.
He noted that while Operation Delta Safe ensures coordination between security forces under the Joint Task Force, the Monitoring Team is tasked with identifying weaknesses and proposing ways to close operational gaps.
He said the Infusion Centre will streamline intelligence on oil theft and other criminal activities, ensuring swift action to maintain peace and security in the region.
General Musa commended Governor Fubara for fostering a peaceful environment in Rivers State, noting that this has allowed the Armed Forces to carry out their duties without hindrance.
“We are grateful for your leadership and support, which has allowed us to maintain peace and advance development,” Musa said.
While responding Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, stated that despite the orchestrated sabotage by disgruntled elements to frustrate the fight initiated by his administration to tackle illegal bunkering in the State, formidable successes have been recorded, undoubtedly.
He expressed delight that the success will further be sustained, given the commendable interest shown by the Presidency that has constituted the Niger Delta Monitoring Team, and tasked with the mandate to curb oil theft and illegal refining of crude oil in the entire region.
The Governor noted that oil theft and illegal refining not only undermine the state’s development efforts but also threaten Nigeria’s economic stability.
The Governor said those saboteurs are not only attempting to disrupt the course of delivery of critical projects and good governance but extended it to create disaffection within the thriving business climate because they do not want to see anything good reckoned with his administration.
Fubara stated that he is not deterred by those acts because there is a stronger determination to rewrite the story and ensure that Rivers people get the best while the national economy does not suffer by what happens in the State.
“You know what they say, everything might not be God’s wish, but everything worketh for God’s desire.
“We are faced with a situation where the little that we are doing here are being sabotaged by some persons who do not want to see any good in what we are doing.
“This is not just in the aspect of governance, but also in the aspect of economic activities of this country. And, one way or the other, this particular moment has created an opportunity for us to rewrite those stories” He said
Continuing he said ‘:I can say here boldly that before this time, we’ve had a very wonderful working relationship with the Service Commanders here. And in Rivers State, we have done so much in the aspect of combating illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalisation.
“And, you can imagine what has just happened now. When the Federal Government is now being part of it, through the different headquarters of the (military) service arm, to complement what we are doing. I can assure you that it is going to be a total success.”
Governor Fubara stated his confidence in the calibre of members of the Team and how professional the Chief of Defence Staff has conducted their operations.
The Governor also explained that he did not appoint Henry Wordu into the team merely because he knows him, but because of his interest to defend the State and Nigeria.
He said: “It is very important, some persons may chose people because they are their relations; they are their friends, no. We need to look at people who can represent us well. He is a man who has shown so much concern, interest in the affairs of our State. So, I have no doubt that he will bring honour to us.”
The Governor also explained the drastic decision that has been taken to curb incidences of piracy at some sea routes in the State.
Governor Fubara also said: “You mentioned something, the issue of sea pirates. That is even one of the problems I am having today.
“Because of what we are doing through the Navy and the Air Force, which are also supporting us, they’ve all entered into the waterways now.
“The waterways around Bonny Local Government Area are the tracks they operate now; kidnapping of innocent people who are coming from Bonny Island to Port Harcourt or some of them on their way from Port Harcourt to Bonny Island.
“As we are talking now, we have already started doing something. Myself and the Office of the Secretary of the State Government, have already directed them to acquire six gun boats, so we can handover some of them to the Navy, so that they can cover some areas of interest.”
Governor Fubara restated his resolve to ensure that everything goes on well by providing the needed State Government’s support that will contribute to increasing crude oil production.
He added: “I can assure you that we will give all the necessary support to the committee to make sure that they succeed.
“Let me, on behalf of the Government and people of Rivers State, assure the Chief of Defence Staff that our collaboration in supporting the course of the Federal Government to ensure that (crude oil) production line increases by next year is a task that must be done, and Rivers State will be part of it to make it succeed,” he added.
Governor Fubara, in response, expressed his administration’s commitment to the fight against oil theft.
He noted the successes achieved under his leadership and welcomed the Federal Government’s increased involvement in the Niger Delta through the newly constituted Monitoring Team.
Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s strong working relationship with security forces in Rivers State and expressed confidence in the expertise of the Monitoring Team.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts to address piracy along sea routes, particularly along the waterways in Bonny Local Government Area, where pirates have targeted travellers.
He said that the state government has begun acquiring gunboats to bolster security on the waterways.
Governor Fubara assured General Musa of the state’s full support in increasing crude oil production, saying, “On behalf of the Government and people of Rivers State, I assure you that we will collaborate fully to achieve the Federal Government’s target. Rivers State is committed to making this effort a success.”
