Bight Newspaper reports that Governor Douye Diri has directed the chairmen of the eight local government councils in Bayelsa State to constitute task forces in their respective areas to combat the menace of oil theft.
The decision was made during a meeting with local government chairmen at Government House, Yenagoa, on Tuesday.
The governor explained that the move was a result of a meeting between governors of oil-producing states and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, in Abuja last week. The task forces will collaborate with the Bayelsa State Community Safety Corps to check oil theft.
Governor Diri emphasized the severity of crude oil bunkering and theft, citing its multiple effects, including low oil production output, reduced revenue for states, and ecosystem degradation, stressing the need for collective action to combat the menace.
The governor stated, “Arising from the meeting in Abuja, I have invited you, as local government chairmen, to join the fight against crude oil theft. The issue of oil theft and bunkering is of serious concern in our local government areas. Since the federal government has involved states and local governments in combating the menace, all hands must be on deck to stamp it out.”
Governor Diri also addressed the upcoming nationwide protest on August 1, urging council chairmen to assert their authority and maintain peace across communities in the state. Additionally, he directed council chairmen to liaise with National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) officials to provide accommodation for the agency to carry out its duties in their areas.
The governor emphasized the importance of shoring up oil production and increasing revenues for states and local governments by stopping oil theft.
He encouraged the council chairmen to take proactive measures to address the issue and ensure a peaceful and secure environment in their respective areas.
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