Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has expressed surprise over the report of alleged involvement of the military in oil theft in Niger Delta region.
Diri, while receiving the joint monitoring team, led by Major General Jamil Jimoh, on a courtesy visit in Government House, Yenagoa, on Monday, said it is very sad to hear the accusation against the military.
He said there would be no end to oil theft and the sabotage in the region if security forces who are supposed to work with civilian authorities to bring this to the ugly situation are also involved.
He, however, restated the state’s commitment to working with the Defence Headquarters Joint Monitoring Team to curb the menace of crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
Governor Diri’s spokesman, Mr Daniel Alabrah, in a statement in Yenagoa, quoted the governor as also expressing delight that the military, which is alleged to be involved in crude oil theft, is now leading the charge to change the narrative on oil bunkering in the Niger Delta region.
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He said he was optimistic 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.
He stressed that the state had already demonstrated its commitment in curbing crude theft, pipeline vandalism and environmental pollution by setting up committees at the local government level as well as using jingles and other means to reorientate the youths.
While acknowledging that an improvement of crude oil production from the state would translate to increased allocation from the 13% derivation fund, Diri said it was an anomaly for federating states to go cap in hand to Abuja monthly to share revenue
He called 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, urging oil companies to replace worn-out equipment to avoid frequent failure, which they blame on sabotage.
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, leader of the team, General Jamil Jimoh, solicited the support of the state government to enable them effectively combat oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the state.
He said that the team had the responsibility of ensuring the security of oil facilities in the Niger Delta and ensure improved oil production.
