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Widening A Killing Field …Mark’s Death-Penalty Call For Oil Thieves
Since Nigeria discovered crude oil in commercial quantities in Oloibiri in today’s Bayelsa State in the early 50’s, the country’s life has depended largely on what has come to be known as black gold. Indeed, the sustenance, survival and growth of her economy and peoples today is determined by foreign exchange earnings from exports of crude and sale of its refined products to the people.
Crude oil has a history of annexure with impunity, and of systemic denial of peoples of the areas it was sourced. Infact, a visit to Oloibiri would force the first timer to shudder if indeed the product is a curse to the people or blessing only to others, not the people.
That systemic marginalisation, manifested profoundly in the infrastructural decay of host communities and the flamboyance of oil company workers, mostly multi-nationals whose houseboats, were the first source of electricity light, in the usually dark horizon of the once peaceful fishing villages.
With the high economic power of such foreigners, as against the abysmally woeful purchasing power of the locals, the girl became an easy prey to red-eyed multi-nationals who on a near-frequent basis, mindlessly induced the vulnerable lot into early prostitution, while productive young people became their reluctant pimps, escorts or ferry canoe-men for their escapades into the interiors.
But the desecration of the once self-content oil bearing areas was not limited to the socio-economic front. The environmental impact was very huge and indeed threatened the only occupations the people knew, fishing, farming, basket weaving, canoe making and the like. The usually green vegetations turned black as they were totally polluted, resulting in lifeless rivers, farm lands, unfit for fishing and farming, even as the wells, which the locals depended on for drinking water, turned brown.
If the socio-economic and environmental factors were demeaning and made peoples of the oil bearing communities second-class citizens, in their own country, their denial of political space was even more frustrating. Being minorities, it required a thoughtful majority to grant them political space to push the protest, but same was denied even before they were made.
That was on account of a pre-reached resolution by those majority tribes expected to do right. That resolution simply tagged oil as A Gift from God. To whom? A natural treasure. Whose? Hence unbefitting of the special place Agricultural success enjoyed.
Merely because, being majority, those who lacked the said natural and later national gift said so, oil producing areas were willfully denied control of the God given land’s resources as was the case in the days of the groundnut pyramids, cocoa and all. From between 50 percent and 100 percent enjoyed, derivation to oil producing areas, crawled from zero percent, one and half percent, 3 percent, 5 percent and today 13 per cent.
Of course, these were not without protests. Infact, it was when all civil protests made by the people, attracted from the powers that be, the usual response, ‘something is in the pipeline’ that the thoroughly suffocated youth went, in search of the content of the pipelines, directly aggravated also by their systemic denial of sources of livelihood.
Of course, no slave driver willingly frees a good slave without a fight, and so the federal authorities kicked. It was the resultant threat which that face-off posed to the easy sucking of the crude for export and survival of the nation that hastened amnesty for Niger Delta militants.
This brief background has become necessary because of fresh calls to include, oil theft among offences that must attract capital punishment. The question being, can one steal something that belongs to none? A gift from God to all? Like the Air? If there indeed are armed oil thieves, is it not safe to say, that the federal government that forcefully converted a people’s land’s natural gift to a national inheritance are the first culprits?
Without such military might (armed) could the federal government forcefully take what it did not own? (robbery). Were the peoples of the Niger Delta, given the opportunity to decide whether they wished to be a part of the forced amalgamation called Nigeria and for which crude-oil sourced there-from must be for all? Is Nigeria willing to pop that question to the oil bearing communities? To know, if they would wish to surrender their heritage in a Sovereign National Conference?
Last week, Nigeria’s Senate President David Mark canvassed death penalty as punishment for oil theft, due to the damaging effects of the crime to the nation’s survival.
In canvassing capital punishment for crude oil thieves, the key consideration is the threat which the practice poses to the economy of Nigeria, not the marginalisation it’s exploitation and sale had caused to the people whose farmlands and rivers remain the drilling fields with attendant woes. To make oil theft a capital offence therefore, the treasure should first be given to its owners, who alone should complain of the theft of their inheritance and backed by the central government.
What lack of patriotism? I can imagine many wondering. Fact is, wrong as oil theft may be, making it an offence that will attract death penalty is over-widening the nation’s killing fields, and there’s no telling how many Nigerians would be innocent.
Theft or armed robbery flourishes partly because there are willing patrons of the loot the thieve brings. Armed robbery is expensive, so a starter requires a criminally minded rich sponsor for arms. Like armed robbery, crude oil theft is a multi-dimensional crime that covers many skilled and unskilled participants in the banking sector, government, the security forces, multi-nationals, the local refinery owner called ‘kpo-fire,’ the rural trader buying and selling the product, the oil company staff willing to compromise trust for extra earnings, the marketer who mixes adulterated products, the NNPC staff detailed to the discharge point, the tanker driver who sells some drums on the way, and indeed the unemployed youth forgotten by his country, seeking a livelihood, the hard way.
Such is the chain. Such, the number of those likely to be affected. The difference between armed robbery and oil theft however, is that, in the case of the latter, it has always been perceived as a stolen property which when restolen constitutes no offence. This is perhaps why those involved believe that they are merely taking a bit of what has been forcefully made a general gift for all.
Therefore, it will require more than imposition of death penalty to change that mindset. It will require a total remediation of the Niger Delta environment, an acceptance of guilt by the federal government, and an agreement that the product belongs to the owners of the land and rivers the gift was sourced, based on global law who alone should determine what percentage to share or pay in taxes. It is when that ownership is established based on natural law, that an oil thief should be killed for forcefully taking what belongs to another. That too, has a caveat.
The crime must result in the death of the owner to attract the death penalty. Except in very few instances, such is the key ingredient that defines capital punishment in the United States of America (USA) whose democracy we’ve copied.
Perhaps a cursory look at offences that fit the redline will help. (additional facts from the web)
The following are offences that attract either death penalty or life imprisonment in the US
. Causing death by using a chemical weapon
.killing a member of Congress, the Cabinet or the United States Supreme Court
.Kidnapping a member of Congress, Cabinet of the United States Supreme Court resulting in death
.Conspiracy to kill a member of the Congress, Cabinet of the US Supreme Court resulting in death
.Causing death by using an explosive
.Causing death by using an illegal firearm
.Genocide
.First Degree Murder
.Murder perpetrated by poison or lying wait
.Murder that is willful, deliberate, malicious and premeditated
.Murder in the perpetration of or in the attempt to perpetrate any arson, escape kidnapping, treason, espionage, sabotage, aggravated sexual abuse or sexual abuse, child abuse, burglary or robbery
. Murder perpetrated as part of a pattern or practice of assault or torture against a child or children
.Murder committed by a federal prisoner or an escaped federal prisoner sentenced to 15 years to life or a more severe penalty
.Assassinating the President or member of his staff
.Kidnapping the President or a member of his staff resulting in death
.Killing persons aiding federal investigation or state correctional officers
.Sexual abuse resulting in death
.Sexual exploitation of children resulting in death.
.Torture resulting in death
.War crimes resulting in death
.Crimes against humanity
.Attempting, authorising or advising the killing of any officer, juror, or witness in cases involving continuing criminal enterprise, even if such killing does not occur.
Thus, as it may be that a country’s laws are depended largely on its peculiar problems, frustrations, needs, experiences, hopes and fears, and oil theft a major crime against our economy, the offence does not require a capital punishment or a separate law to tackle. The country’s criminal code provides for ways and means of checking theft and robbery, and attracts a death penalty if that crime results in the death of another.
What is required instead is proper policing of our oil and gas production infrastructure by competent, patriotic and indeed God fearing security operatives.
My Agony is that the first victims of such law would be the unemployed youth daily engaged to locally refine crude oil and not all others in the chain that make the theft possible. Or do you not know that the oil thieves and security men posted to such red zones may not be best of friends, but are never enemies in combat, except when the thief is greedy, the security, too pious. And they are few.
News
Don’t Panic, We’ll Protect Rivers Interest -Fubara
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has told the people of the State not to panic and be rest assured of the determination of his administration to protect lives and property of residents while improving the collective aspirations of the people.
Fubara gave the assurance when he addressed members of the Family Support Group, who were on solidarity visit to Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday to declare their unalloyed support to his administration.
Family Support Group is an assemblage of well-meaning Rivers youths, men and women drawn from the three Senatorial Districts and 23 local government areas, with the core aim of protecting, promoting and defending the interests of Rivers State.
The governor, who was represented by the Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, said that the government is for the youths, women, men and every well-meaning Nigerian who wish the State well.
He assured that his administration would not disappoint their expectations, but would deliver good governance and quality services across all sectors.
Fubara said it was gratifying to see ebullient youths showing undying interest in government, and were also willing to defend their votes, and see him completing his tenure without interruption.
The governor explained that so many development projects had been completed and opened for public use with many others like the Port Harcourt Ring Road still actively ongoing.
He specifically noted the readiness of the administration to flag off construction of phase two of the real Trans-Kalabari Road from Port Harcourt through Tombia to other communities; and the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
“The whole land of Rivers State stands in affirmation that we won the election fairly, and deserve to serve out our full tenure. There is not going to be anything that will cut short the popular mandate that you all gave to this Administration.
“Just about within weeks of assuming office, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, flagged-off the Port Harcourt Ring Road project that will transverse six local governments. It will be completed within 36 months, but I think it will be completed before the time, because the progress of work we have seen is beyond what we were thinking.
“The Trans-Kalabari Road, very soon, the official main Trans-Kalabari Road will start, and will begin from Port Harcourt. That road, a lot of plans have been done, very soon, you will see contractors on site, and Rivers State will be opened.
“Just yesterday, you heard in the news also that the Governor has commenced the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road. That road was initially done with one lane, but now, he is going to dualise it. The Government has already awarded the contract”, he said.
Fubara emphasised that his administration is pro-youth and pro-human beings, and determined to maintain that level of empathy and inclusivity that offers succour to the people.
“I, therefore, want to thank you for the promise you have made, and I want you to remain unshakable. Keep your word of defending him at all times.
“When you hear anything outside, be bold, defend the Governor, and tell the people the things you know about him. Tell them what you know he has done to develop the State and the people”, he stated.
In his address, the President General of Family Support Group, Mr Henry Abraham, recalled that during the 2023 elections, they were encouraged to vote and defend their votes because the process was violence-free and credible.
“When we defend our votes, we will also defend the man we voted for. We are Family Support Group, Rivers State belongs to all of us. Rivers State is not a personal estate of one man, it’s for all Rivers people.
“Sir Siminalayi Fubara, stand firm. Family Support Group is with you. All the wards’ coordinators are with you. All the wards’ executives are with you. All the LGA coordinators are with you. All the officers of the National Executive Committee are with you. All our leaders are with you, and the PDP is with you,” he assured.
News
11 GDI Coordinators Declare Support For Fubara
The support base for the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, swelled up on Wednesday when 11 Ward Coordinators of the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), in Ahoada-East Local Government Area of the State pledged unalloyed support and loyalty to his administration.
Ahoada East, which is the local government area of the Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr Edison Ehie, has a total of 13 electoral wards.
The 11 GDI Coordinators, who were in Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday on solidarity visit, said that they have now realised that they had been deceived and misled in the past few months, and decided to retrace their steps, and join the mass of Rivers people to defend and protect their votes and mandate freely given to Governor Fubara.
The coordinators, who were received by the Chief of Staff, Dr Edison Ehie, pledged to mobilise all their supporters and associates to give the State Government the necessary support and encouragement to deliver good governance and sustainable development to Rivers people.
They said that having watched the actions and policy direction of the governor, they have come to the realisation that sitting on the fence while detractors undermine the government was not in the best interest of the State.
The coordinators, who were accompanied by the former LGA Coordinator of GDI, Hon. Christian Abu, and Ahoada East LGA Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Handsome Ekelechi Agile, said that they were resolute in their decision to join millions of well-meaning Rivers people who had solidified their membership of the SIMplified Movement to protect and defend the governor in the face of unwarranted attacks and campaign of calumny.
They said that with their movement to the SIMplified Family, the GDI structure in Ahoada East has completely collapsed.
They warned that anybody fighting the governor and the Chief of Staff would incur the wrath of the land.
In his remarks, Hon. Ehie assured the coordinators of the State government’s commitment to the wellbeing of all Rivers people and the consolidation of the gains of the infrastructure revolution of the administration.
He said that the Fubara-led government was operating an open door policy and running an inclusive administration, assuring that every Rivers man and woman will be touched positively by the actions, policies, and programmes of the government.
The GDI Coordinators included Chinwe Okorji representing Ward 1; Henry Uhor for Ward 2; Hon. Muzan Otuza of Ward 3; Hon. Elvis Ishikaku representing Ward 4; and Hon. Johnson Monday of Ward 5.
Others are Mr. Evidence Adi for Ward 6; Emmanuel Ochu of Ward 7; Hon. Fidelis Ikebuluwa representing Ward 8; Martins Odoi of Ward 9; Hon. Mackson Ekpeye representing Ward 10; Hon. Ambrose Ile for Ward 12.
With this development, the leadership of GDI at the Ward and LG levels have now dumped the group to join the Governor in efforts to transform the State.
News
Fubara Recommits To Human Capacity Building In Rivers
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed the determination of his administration to build and strengthen the capacity of workers in the State’s Civil Service.
The governor said this during a meeting held behind closed doors in Government House, Port Harcourt, with the national leadership of Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) Chartered, yesterday.
After the meeting, leader of the delegation and National President of NIM, Dr. Christiana Atako, told newsmen that Governor Fubara, a fellow of the Institute and astute manager, excited them with his plans on human capital development and other development initiatives.
Dr. Atako, who is also the Chairman of Council of NIM said, “In fact, he was talking so much about the civil service. I have told you that one of our strengths is to develop capacity of the workforce, and we told him that we are interested in the civil service of this State.
“We are interested in building capacity of the workforce because we believe that if you have the right workforce, you’ll be able to have successful system. And if you have a successful system, leadership will be very easy.”
She emphasised that, “And when we told him, he bought the idea. He said he was happy about that. He wants a situation where, apart from the infrastructure that he was putting in place, he also wants to build the capacity of the people.”
Atako stated that as an Institute, they were impressed with the giant strides of the leadership of the governor, the many infrastructural projects, both ongoing and completed, including the welfare packages for civil servants, particularly the Christmas bonus of N100, 000.00.
She pointed out the distinguishing attributes of a great and good leader, which include exhibiting empathy and motivating the workers to become more productive, which she said, were evident in the leadership shown by Governor Fubara.
Atako said they also informed the governor of their forthcoming annual national conference slated to hold in Port Harcourt, which is always used to discuss issues that are of interest to the growth and development of the country.
Those in the delegation were Registrar/Chief Executive of NIM, Mrs Taiwo Olusesi; former National Vice President, Dame Christie Toby; Council Members, Engr. Beniah Ojum; Prof. Sylva Opuala-Charles; Zonal Chairman and Chairman LOC NIM ANMC, Pastor Eyo Okpo-Ene; former National Treasurer, Chief Grant Orugbani; and Eze Ekpeye Logbo III, His Imperial Majesty, Kelvin N. Anugwo.
Others are former Deputy Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly and Member LOC NIM ANMC, Rt. Hon. Marshall Stanley-Uwom; AGM, Hotel Presidential, Mr. Rex Yakpogoro; Member LOC NIM ANMC, Engr. Eze Egwurugwu; Sir Mike Elechi; Member LOC NIM ANMC, Dr. Kelechi Belinda Udeogu; Secretary, South South Zone and Secretary LOC NIM ANMC, Mr. Christian U. Abu; Emeritus Professor Simeon Chituru Achinehu.
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