RVHA Plans Law Against Illegal Refineries

The Rivers State House of Assembly has promised to pass a bill that would assist in the fight against illegal oil refineries in the state.
The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani, said the law, when enacted , will give legal backing to efforts of the Rivers State Government to eradicate illegal oil bunkering and artisanal refineries in the state.
Ibani, however, advised those involved in the operation of illegal oil refineries to desist from such acts and seek legal means of livelihood.
His words: “ As legislators, we have explored all options available as soon as our investigations are concluded, we ‘ll not stop short of bringing out any instrument that would give such backing to government to make sure that its implementation would reduce the illegal refinery activites to the barest minimum in our state, because if we don’t, then the generation yet unborn would hold us accountable”.
The Speaker stated that the House decided to come up with a bill to outlaw artisanal refineries because of the environmental hazards caused by the activities of those involved.
He said: Look at the black sooth, that is ravaging the state  by the time you dip white handkerchief into your nostril and bring it out, it is very black.
‘By implication, if it is allowed into the organs of the body it means when you go for laboratory test, you find out that these carbons may be found in the lungs of human beings. This can also cause cancer, and other ailments, he argued.
Ibani assured of the readiness of the Assembly to collaborate with the state government to ensure implementation of polices that promote good governance, and enhance the good health of all residents of the state.

Susan Serekara-Nwikhana