An advocacy group, the Economic Sustenance Group (ESG), has called on the Niger Delta leaders and other oil producing communities across Nigeria to support the Nigerian Army in the fight against crude oil thieves in the country.
In the statement jointly signed by its President and Secretary Okoro Anselem and Baba Usman, the group said leaders of the Niger-Delta region should as a matter of urgency intensify support and cooperation with the Armed Forces of Nigeria to deal with this nefarious activity that has caused the people serious health challenges.
“We can’t continue to neglect the soot problem in Port-Harcourt and environs. The health implications cannot be overemphasized,” the statement read in part.
The group commended the Chief of Defense Staff, General Lucky Irabor for his recent operational visit to troops of Joint Task Force, South South Operation Delta Safe and warning the force’s personnel against oil theft in the region.
According to the group, available scientific facts suggest that aside from enormous economic loss to the country as a result of crude oil theft, their heinous activities have led to environmental challenges, including the issue of black soot in Rivers State.
The group noted that the Chief of Defense’s visit came when it was needed most as it will strengthen the troops and send a message that the Armed Forces is determined to protect the oil and gas installations within the South South geopolitical zone with the best of their abilities.
“The recent visit to the region by the Chief of Defense Staff, Gen. Leo Irabor is a pointer that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is determined to decisively deal with the situation.
“Similarly, the country is losing revenue that would have been channeled into economic development. Now is the time for us to come together, restore and preserve the Environment for the health of our brothers and sisters in oil producing communities,” the statement further read.
Additionally, the group commended the current leadership of the Nigerian Armed Forces who on assumption of duty held a meeting with the group managing director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Mr. Mele Kyari to discuss the security challenges facing the execution of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas pipeline project and other oil installations across the country.
By Sunday Elom
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