By Phoebe James
A prominent Indigene of Niger Delta and former chairman, Warri north local government, Mr Godwin Ebosa has condemned in strongest terms the recent attacks on the facility of Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) at Olero / Dibi/ Abiteye in Delta state, described it as an act of sabotage.
While further describing the development as premeditated, meant to reverse the success recorded on the nation’s economy, to stop it’s emergence from the present recession.
According to Ebosa , the attack was needless , capable of reversing the hand of the clock, saying the perpetrators must be brought to book, so as to serve as deterrent to others.
The vandals reasons for the attack on the premise of not providing job opportunities for the indigenes was flimsy , and not meant to engage in the destruction of the company’s properties.
He called for an urgent investigation into the destruction of the pipelines, stating that the reason was beyond meeting the eyes and pontificating puerilities, so as to get to the nitty-gritty of the circumstances surrounding the incidence.
While commending the community leaders around the area who had made useful sacrifices, making reference to Mr Sunny Omatseye, Tony Aderojo, David Odeli and Mike Odeli among others who have displayed sane leadership qualities overtime .
He averred that these leaders for a long time had taken the responsibility of interfacing between the oil company and communities seamlessly, and why were they not consulted by intimating them? .
No doubt , few rascals and irresponsible elements has constituted themselves as leaders to carry out such dastardly and destructive act, rather than deploy lawful means .
He advised the youths particularly in the Niger Delta Region to shun vandalism and destruction of government properties, capable of retarding the progress and development of the area.
The youths according to him are expected to protect the properties of multi nationals companies and report any untoward activities to the constituted authority, while channeling their grievances through appropriate channel.
While appealing to the youths to embrace truce rather than confrontation, he assured them that amicable resolution of crises is sine -qua- non to a crises free society.
Godwin Ebosa said;”The recent attack and vandalization of the OLERO/DIBI/ABITEYE Crude Flow line operated by the American energy giant, Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) in Delta State is a very sad development.”
“It was a premeditated incident. And it was meant to wreak havoc on the nation’s economy, and stop its emergence from the present recession.”
“The attack is uncalled for. It is clear that it is a deliberate act sabotage to the national interest. And those responsible for the heinous crime must be brought to face the full weight of the law.”
“The reasons given by the faceless perpetrators, particularly that they were not provided jobs by Chevron multinational, was a worthless reason to destroy the pipelines.”
“It is puerile and unacceptable. It is clear that there is more to the attack than meets the eye, hence a thorough investigation is necessary to uncover the actual reason for the vandalism.”
“In the area where the incident happened, there is a structured leadership in place. We have responsible leaders such as Chief Sunny Omatseye, Mr. Tony Aderojo, Mr. David Odeli and Mr. Mike Odeli, among others, who have been living up to their responsibility as leaders of their people.”
“These leaders have been taking up the challenges facing their people. If the perpetrators were honest with the reason given – it wouldn’t have been necessary to go that far. ”
“They should have intimated their leaders of such grievances. ”
“It is unfortunate that a few rascals have resorted to destructive tendencies, rather than employ constitutional and lawful means to ventilate their anger.”
“Our youths, particularly those in the oil-producing areas, must shun violence and vandalism of government facilities.”
“They should protect oil pipelines located in their localities and present their grievances to known leaders, who would then forward such demands to the oil companies and authorities concerned for action.”
“It is the only way to ensure that grievances are heard and addressed without resorting to violence or other unwholesome actions.”
” Anything outside the foregoing has criminal connotations. And it is against the law.”
“In conclusion, I make bold to say that the attack on the Olero/Dibi Flow line is outrightly despicable and unpatriotic.”
“We urge security agencies to take immediate action to unravel the incident, uncover the identities of the perpetrators, and bring them to justice. ”
“It will serve as a deterrent to those who want to commit such crimes in the future. ”
“All hands must be on deck to fight this barbarism. The people of the region must join forces to fight this malaise.”
“Crude oil is the mainstay of the nation’s economy, and therefrom, our state is given 13% derivation fund for development. ”
“We mustn’t fold our hands and pretend that all is well.
Let us go all out against the common enemy.”
