Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has said that even if his political party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is in opposition, as a responsible government, his administration would not allow any act of economic sabotage such as crude oil theft take place in the state.
He explained that the war against illegal bunkering and artisanal refining of crude oil is not about the political party, but about the country and its survival.
The governor made the assertion on Friday, during a security meeting with heads of security agencies in the state and some local government chairmen at Government House in Port Harcourt.
Wike stated that the fight against illegal refining of crude products (kpofire) is also about ensuring that the health of Rivers people is not endangered.
According to him, “The mere fact that I am in opposition does not mean that I have to sabotage the economy of the nation. This country belongs to all of us and you know that oil is the major source of revenue for the federation that the three tiers of government share from.
“So, you cannot, because you’re of the opposition, close your eyes and allow that to happen. No responsible government does that. This is not about party. It is about Nigeria. It is about making sure this country survives and then also the health factor.
“We must continue to take this war very seriously. Not only because it is sabotage to the national economy, but also for the health of our people, which, for me, is the key why we must fight against this sabotage.”
The governor also commended security agencies in the fight against operators of illegal crude oil refineries in the state, including some chairmen of councils, who he said have shown seriousness in curbing the soot menance.
He, however, urged them to maintain the momentum to curb the menace with the commitment to save Rivers people and all residents who are endangered by the soot.
