…By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media.
The African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate in the last general election, Omoyele Sowore, has made a startling claim that the primary perpetrators of oil theft in Nigeria are not located in the Niger Delta as commonly believed, but rather in Aso Rock, Abuja.
Sowore made this assertion in response to comments made by former Niger Delta militant leader Asari Dokubo during his visit to President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Sowore’s Critique of Dokubo:
During an event in Abuja, Sowore criticized Dokubo for exposing oil thieves to other oil thieves.
While appreciating Dokubo’s mention of oil thieves, Sowore pointed out that the former militant leader did not disclose their identities.
Sowore sarcastically remarked that Dokubo’s visit to Aso Rock was akin to reporting oil thieves to oil thieves themselves, emphasizing that the biggest culprits are situated in Aso Rock, not in the Niger Delta.
Dokubo’s Accusations against the Military:
During Dokubo’s visit to President Tinubu, he publicly implicated the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Navy in extensive oil bunkering activities in the Niger Delta region.
Dokubo asserted that ordinary citizens lack the resources and technological capabilities required for such operations, particularly the intricate process of directly extracting crude oil from wells by connecting pipes.
He went on to claim that a substantial 99 percent of oil theft can be attributed to the Nigerian military, with specific emphasis on the Army and the Navy.
Dokubo’s Support for the Government:
While Dokubo pledged his support to the Federal Government in combating oil theft, he also expressed confidence in the Tinubu-led administration’s ability to identify and hold accountable those responsible within the military.
Although he denied having a personal security force, Dokubo highlighted his involvement in crisis management in the Niger and Kaduna regions.
He commended President Tinubu’s resolute approach to national issues and called for the support of well-meaning Nigerians in strengthening these efforts.
Conclusion:
The allegations of oil theft have taken a new turn, with Sowore claiming that the biggest oil thieves are located in Aso Rock, not in the Niger Delta.
On the other hand, Dokubo accused the Nigerian military, particularly the Army and the Navy, of being heavily involved in oil bunkering activities.
As these claims continue to unfold, it remains to be seen how the government and relevant authorities will respond to these serious allegations and work towards curbing oil theft in Nigeria.
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