Oil theft: Dickson’s statement stirs controversies

Posted by: Mike Odiegwu in News Update 4 hours ago

The statement credited to Bayelsa State Governor, Mr. Seriake Dickson, on reasons behind oil theft has generated controversies in the Niger Delta region.

The governor was quoted as saying that militants were using their proceeds from oil theft and illegal bunkering to stockpile arms.

It was observed that the remarks which the governor was quoted as making when the new Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Usman Ali-Sidi visited him had drawn the ire of activists in the region.

The President of the Ijaw Peoples Development Initiative, Mr. Austin Ozobo, said Dickson’s statement was an indictment on the region.

He insisted that the governor feigned ignorance of the difference between militants and oil thieves.

He said militants depended not on illegal oil bunkering to acquire arms but on wealthy sponsors.

He said: “It was a noticeable fact that there was no poor person among the heads of former agitators when they started and some of them were not from oil communities contrary to the claims of the governor.

“Militancy started when the Niger Delta youths were not having privilege to bunkering activities in this country.

“We want the governor to be specific in his indictment. We should ask the governor to explain how criminals in the upland areas where there is no drop of oil sustain their criminal activities.”

He said the government should encourage invention and creativity by legalising operation of illegal refineries.

http://thenationonlineng.net/new/news-update/oil-theft-dicksons-statement-stirs-controversies/

hmmmm, we just de watch

I dont think Oil bunkerers has anything to do with stockpiling of weapons. But then,if the militants of Niger Delta region is still active and are known to carryout bunkering,then Gov Silva could be right.

Hmmmn, we are watching..