N/Delta Ex-Agitator calls on FG to tackle insecurity in waterways, recommends Farah dagogo

An ex-freedom fighter in the Niger Delta, Comrade Martins Lugard, has called on the Federal Government to come up with measures to tackle oil bunkering in the region, especially in Bayelsa State.

Lugard, who made this call while addressing a wide range of issues affecting the Niger Delta, stated that tackling oil bunkering will go a long way in reducing sea piracy in the creeks of the region, as he explained that oil bunkering is the foundation of sea piracy.

Lugard also lamented the high level of oil pollution in the creeks of Bayelsa, and further advised the Federal Government to award pipeline surveillance contracts to those who understand the creeks, and can also manage the boys, so that illegal oil exploration can be stopped.

He also explained that sea piracy and bunkering will continue to linger in the Niger Delta as long as the Federal Government continues to award pipeline surveillance contracts to politicians, whom he said are not on ground to secure the pipes or carry those who can do the work along, as a way of generating little revenue for the locals.

Lugard went further to list some persons whom he felt might be able to handle the job well, and also work with the Federal Government to combat sea piracy and oil bunkering, pointing out that General Farar is one good example of such that can effectively secure the pipelines.

While commending the Federal Government for its efforts to secure the waterways, especially for initiating the Operation Crocodile Smile and the Octopusgrip, Lugard also advised the government to try and kick off the modular refinery without further delay, as this will also help to eradicate illegal oil exploration, which he said has been an age long business that most parents used in training their children in school.

Also speaking to our correspondent were a local fisherman from Nembe identified as Ebi John, and a trader, Mrs. Clement Ngodia, who all lamented the negative effects of oil bunkering and sea piracy in the area.

Ebi John stated that sea piracy has discouraged many fishermen fishing around the Nembe waterways from going into the river, as the pirates always carry out their nefarious activities without any interference from security agencies.

He also appealed to the Federal Government to do all that is possible to flush out the sea pirates from the creeks.