The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Host Communities, Dumnamene Robinson Dekor, has commended the Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, for stern steps taken to curb the activities of illegal refining of crude oil, called ‘Kpo-fire’ in local parlance.
Recall that the Governor also declared the operators wanted during a personal visit to the sites of the illegal business in Ikwerre and Emohua Local Government Areas of the State.
Dekor, who is the member representing Khana/Gokana in the House of Representatives, made the commendation while addressing a cross section of Rivers youths in Abuja.
He noted that the proactive steps taken by Governor Wike in declaring operators of the illegal business of Kpo-fire wanted, apprehending many others and his physical visit to some sites of the illegal refineries would significantly reduce the menace of soot and its attendant environmental and health degradation in the State.
“You all know that the State has been battling the challenge of soot worsened by the illegal business of refining petroleum products, popularly called kpo-fire.
“You are also aware of the agony, pains and sicknesses associated with the environmental hazard, which has regularly contaminated the air in our dear state with devastating health implications”, he said.
Dekor in his commendation, said, “you will recall, His Excellency has in his new year broadcast promised to tackle head-on illegal crude oil refining activities in the state for the collective health survival of Rivers people.
“It is in view of this, that I want to thank the Governor for his prompt action taken towards addressing this ugly trend”, the lawmaker stated.
He used the opportunity to call on all community leaders to join hands with the State Governor in the struggle to bring an end to oil theft and illegal crude oil refining activities in their localities in order to end the menace of soot in the State by reporting those behind the illegal business in their communities to relevant law enforcement agencies.
The federal lawmaker also appealed to his constituents to desist from oil theft and illegal crude oil refining activities, while warning that anyone caught would be made to face the full weight of the law.
He said the noticeable blanket of soot in the skies across the state, in our homes and on clothes are largely due to the upsurge in illegal bunkering business in the Niger Delta of which Rivers State appears to be one of the epicenters.
Dekor frowned at the seeming reluctance of the Federal Government and regulatory agencies in taking measures to mitigate the menace of soot in the Niger Delta and urged them to rise up to take responsibility in protecting the lives of the people and those living in the region.
