Success Nwanedo
Rivers State Civil Society Organizations has said that the fight against illegal refining of crude oil products also known as ‘Kpofire’ has not been effective, as the activities are still being carried out in the State.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Chairman of the group, Enefaa Georgewill on his social media page said there is availability of the product in various parts of the State.
According to him, “Kpofire Business Is Still Booming In Rivers State. Don’t Ask Me How. Check Availability Of The Product In Every Street. Wike Can’t Fight Kpofire.”
Georgewill had in a statement called on the state government to arrest sponsors and owners of kpofire businesses.
He said arresting only field workers while their paymasters are left alone, would not do much in the fight against soot but rather prolong it.
Governor Wike had on January in a statewide broadcast declared war against illegal bunkering and artisanal refining of crude oil in the state.
The governor had also set up a task force as part of moves to check the resurgence of illegal bunkering and refining activities in order to end the soot.