‘Come And See, They’ve Released Suspicious Boat Conveying Our Crude Oil’

Come and see, they’ve released suspicious boat conveying our crude oil’. Such is the cry of alarm on the lips of the Niger-Delta Renaissance Network, which has shown interest in the safety of Nigeria’s waterways assets.

The Network, comprising of professionals from different walks including lawyers, and human rights activists said an oil vessel was apprehended by a private security outfit in the Niger Delta region for unpatriotic acts of conveying crude oil, but that it has now been released.

‘Come and see, they’ve released suspicious boat conveying our crude oil, it says in a statement by its spokesman, Senior Comrade Gabriel Aniete.

Beyond that, the network is suing for synergy between the Nigerian Navy and private security outfits securing the Nigerian coastal lines.

This it said would ensure safety of the waterways and also maximum productivity.

READ ALSO: Vessel Syphoning Nigerian Crude Oil Illegally for 12 years Arrested

“Our attention has been drawn to the unpatriotic action of releasing the vessel containing stolen crude, which was apprehended by the effort of a private security firm.

“…the President is said to have ordered the re-arrest of the vessel and a comprehensive investigation into the matter.”

“Upon hearing what transpired, we put a call across to personnel of the private security company involved in the ship’s interception and confirmed the incident.

The Niger-Delta Renaissance Network accuses government officials of engaging in crude oil theft, contract splitting, procurement fraud, and corruption, in the petition, signed by among others, Pelumi Olajengbesi, Mohammed Suleiman, Aisha Waliki, Deji Adeyanju, and Ogunwoye Samson.

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The petition has been submitted to the President’s Office through the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.

It added::“We are concerned regarding the persistent allegations of oil theft and collusion within the Nigerian Navy, urging the government to do the needful and stem further theft of Nigeria’s crude oil.

The group called for a thorough investigation into the matter and urged the President and the National Security Adviser to ensure that those responsible for oil theft and undermining the administration’s efforts to combat oil diversion are held accountable.

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