Oil Theft, Not Nigeria’s Problem – LG Boss

Contrary to concerns
expressed over oil theft as one of the major problems militating against the economy of Nigeria, the chairman of Okrika Local Government Area, Hon Tamuno Williams, says not oil theft but corruption that is bedeviling the nation’s economy.
The council boss who spoke to journalists at a public function in Okrika local government area yesterday wondered why so much fuss was being made about oil theft when the nation’s economy was being milked unchecked by those responsible.
He said since the militants were given amnesty and awarded contracts to secure oil pipes, the problem of oil theft become dead.
“Where have you heard pipelines being bust in the Niger Delta region for sometimes now, let’s not deceive ourselves, it is corruption high places:, he said.
He pointed at the billions of dollar fraud and accusations being made at the federal level and noted that it was only when proper investigations were made and those who stole the money exposed and punished that the economy would be better.
According to him, the said billions of dollars if put in our refineries could revamp them and urged those making much fuss and about oil theft to be realistic.
He expressed regret that in spite of rich oil endowment in the nation, we still import fuel from Gabon and other countries which out to import from us.
The council boss said people occupying public offices should be accountable and transparent for the growth of the nation.
“Frankly speaking, I don’t think our problem for now is oil theft as some persons are saying but I believe that when corruption is checked in proper places and those stealing our billions of dollars are investigated and dealt with, we shall be better off”, the council boss insisted.

Chris Oluoh