Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has expressed optimism that the new approach by the Nigerian military to combat oil theft would achieve the desired results.
Governor Diri expressed 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.
The Bayelsa governor stated this on Monday when the joint monitoring team, led by Major General Jamil Jimoh, paid him a courtesy visit in Government House, Yenagoa.
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 to 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, Governor Diri said it was an anomaly for federating states to go cap in hand to Abuja monthly to share revenue
He again called for the adoption of true federalism where states would be allowed to exploit their resources and pay taxes to the centre to encourage them to develop at their own pace.
The Bayelsa helmsman also called on 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.
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“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.
He commended the governor for his developmental strides and efforts made to curb the menace in the state.
He said that the team had the responsibility of ensuring the security of oil facilities in the Niger Delta and ensuring improved oil production.
