Fight against oil theft, military officers sabotage alledged – Gov Fubara

The governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, expressed his disappointment that some military officers were undermining efforts to end the scourge of illegal oil bunkering in the state.

Fubara made this announcement yesterday when he hosted the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, at the Government House. He told Lagbaja that the suspect officers were part of a company based out of the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Council in the state, as reported by The Guardian.

Despite claims that some officers of the Nigerian Army had been compromised in areas of Ahoada East and Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni local councils, Fubara said his administration was doing everything possible to curb illegal bunkering activities.

The issue of bunkering is unique to this region. We believe that the cooperation between the Army and major oil companies is what allows bunkering to continue in some parts of the state, specifically in Ahoada East and Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni.

When asked why he felt compelled to make this statement, he explained, “There is this road we are constructing somewhere in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni, and every time the contractor approaches this particular company and pleads that they allow them to go ahead with the job, the military will always come and attack our contractors.”

Fubara told the Chief of Army Staff that he had tried to solve the problem before but had been unable to do so due to the officers’ self-interest.

Taking on work for a private firm does not make you a state official with the authority to dictate policy. The governor urged, “Look into the matter.” He lauded the state’s armed forces and other security forces for their efforts to keep the state secure.

Lagbaja explained in his speech that he was in Port Harcourt as part of his tour of formations and units under his command since taking office.

The army’s operations have contributed to peace and stability in the state, and he expressed gratitude to Governor for his unwavering support, intervention, and cooperation.