The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has accused Governor Nyesom Wike of encouraging illegal oil bunkering and refining activities in the state.
Wike, on Sunday, in a state-wide broadcast had declared those he described as kingpins of oil bunkering activities wanted and vowed to publicise the names of those involved in the activities in Okrika communities, Rivers South-East and Rivers South-West Senatorial Districts if they fail to hand themselves over to the police.
However, 24 hours after the broadcast, the state Police Command said it has apprehended 18 suspects who were escorting tanker loads of illegally refined products in different areas in the state.
Reacting to the development, the APC in a statement signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Chris Finebone said it was puzzled that the Governor had kept mute until now before taking action despite criticism by residents and other concerned Nigerians.
According to them, “From 2015 to date, most major projects by the Rivers State Government since its inauguration are being executed by Julius Berger Nigeria Ltd.
“At the present peak of Julius Berger activities in Rivers State, the company consumes on the average about 300,000 litres of AGO per day. This has undeniably become one single biggest AGO consumption volume in Rivers State.”
The opposition party further accused Julius Berger of patronising products from illegal oil refiners, which has led to an increase in the activities.
“Sadly, the entire volume of AGO is sourced from illegal refiners of the product locally called ‘kpofire’ and the reason is that Julius Berger in Rivers State buys AGO at between N220 and N240 per litre, whereas, the official ex-depot price of AGO from NIPCO and other major importers range from N315 to N350 per litre.
“With Julius Berger buying the product from illegal refiners below market minimum prices, a huge demand has been created for the kpofire (illegally refined) products.
“This naturally has encouraged so many people (young and old) to join the illegal refining business because of a thriving and ready market.
“The result is a burgeoning illegal refining business which has, in turn, heightened the level of soot descending on residents of Port Harcourt and environs, causing all manner of health problems for both the young and old, in the present and for the future.
“We have seen Gov Nyesom Wike, in his overzealous attempt to protect Julius Berger and their common business interests, brazenly sack his Cabinet Commissioner for Environment without replacement to this day.”
The party maintained that the action showed that the Governor was not willing to take the necessary steps towards protecting the lives of residents but was protecting some persons due to fear or self-interest.
APC wondered who the governor was afraid of “in declaring all suspects involved in this life-threatening menace wanted in all the Local Government Areas, particularly those contiguous to Port Harcourt.”
