By Nneka Nwogwugwu
The Senate has urged the Federal Government to audit security agencies involved in sponsoring illegal refineries in Rivers State.
The call was made following the current soot situation in Rivers State that has damaged the environment as well as affected residents health.
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Senator George Thompson Sekibo and seven others sponsored this motion on Thursday.
This development was sequel to a motion entitled:’ Curbing Soot’s Particulates droppings, health Hazards concern and economic sabotage by illegal refining of crude products in Rivers State’.
The seven others sponsors of the motion include: Senator James Manager, Senator Enyinaya, Abaribe, Senator Betty Apiafi, Senator Barry Mpigi, Senator Bassey Gershom, Senator Bassey Albert, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi and Senator Sandy Onor.
Senator Sekibo in his submission requested the Senate in his motion:
“The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to note that there is an impending environmental danger that is occurring in Rivers State and its environs orchestrated by miscreants who are engaged in illegal refining as well as looting national crude oil assets.
” To President to audit security agencies who are saddled with the responsibility of securing these assets but are involved in this national sabotage and be sanction appropriately by the laws of the country.
“To advise the President to use his constitutional power to support the Government of Rivers State who have started to combat these criminal activities and fish out these national economic saboteurs.
“Finally to direct the Senate Committees on the Navy, Police Force, Interior and Army to carry out holistic investigation of these illegal activities with a view to ascertaining the involvement of security agencies collaborating and abetting in these bastard acts and report within four weeks.
“To further direct its Committees on Environment, Petroleum Upstream and Primary Health to visit Rivers State and carryout observatory assessment of the level of damage these activities have caused the environment and the health concern the activities have occasioned as well as suggest solution and report within four weeks.”
Rivers state government since January has been fighting illegal refiners of crude oil.
In the last raid, NatureNews reports that Over 112 illegal refineries have been discovered in the creeks of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Rivers State.
