Senator Seriake Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State and current representative of the Bayelsa West Senatorial District, has exposed the major players involved in crude oil theft in Nigeria. According to Dickson, these individuals reside in Lagos, Abuja, and other global capitals. He has outlined measures for the federal government to combat their operations both locally and internationally.
Dickson made these statements during a visit to the traditional ruler of Gbaramatu Kingdom, His Majesty, Oboro-Gbaraun II, Aketekpe, Agadagba, at Oporoza, the traditional headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State. He emphasized, “High-level oil theft is not the work of Ijaw youths. It is orchestrated by major players who live in Lagos, Abuja, and other world capitals.”
He reiterated that the Ijaw people, who live in polluted waterways and struggle for their economic livelihood, are not capable of the sophisticated operations required for large-scale oil theft. “Those who compromise national security systems and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) are not Ijaw people,” he added.
Dickson urged the Nigerian government to classify stolen crude oil as a blood diamond on the international stage. This designation, arising from conflicts in some West African states, would bring global attention and action against the theft. He stressed the need for better monitoring and recording of oil production, holding accountable those who underreport and mismanage resources.
He also highlighted the importance of supporting Ijaw youths, who lack the technical know-how and resources for such high-level theft operations. “They should not be made scapegoats for activities they are not equipped to perform,” he said.
During his visit, Dickson commended the traditional ruler and the people of Gbaramatu Kingdom for maintaining peace and stability in the region. He also praised High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, for his efforts in curbing illegal bunkering and reducing environmental degradation caused by pipeline tampering.
Dickson acknowledged the hard work of Tompolo and his team and urged the government and NNPCL to strengthen and expand their partnership with Tantita, Tompolo’s security outfit. “Their engagement has brought some semblance of normalcy, but more needs to be done,” he stated.
In conclusion, Dickson expressed his appreciation for the development he witnessed in Gbaramatu and encouraged continued collaboration between the government, NNPCL, and local stakeholders to further combat oil theft and promote regional stability.