Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has warned that failures to address the problem of illegal oil bunkering is capable of bringing back the Niger delta crisis and truncates the peace being enjoyed in the region

Dr. Uduaghan who stated this in a lecture, to participants of the Executive Intelligence Management Course II of the Institute of Security Studies, Bwari, Abuja recently. The governor was emphasized that sincerity and commitment by President Umaru Musa Yar Adua is being complemented in the State by specific post amnesty development programme for the upliftment of the region.

Developing the theme “Post Amnesty Strategies for the Niger Delta”, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan observed that illegal oil bunkering in all its ramifications along with stakeholders involved in the illegal business must be dealt with squarely for the gains of the amnesty deal of Mr. President to benefit the Country.

The State Governor lamented that elements from oil bearing communities, employee of oil prospecting companies as well as the active connivance of security agencies and the international community are behind the evils of illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta.

He asserted that while the current leadership of security agencies in the State is living up to expectations, their total support is required to stop illegal bunkering.

The Governor also opined that the time has come for collaborative efforts to compel the international community to stop patronizing stolen crude oil from the region as it has been confirmed that the Niger Delta crisis was sustained by the illegal trade.

Speaking further, he called for redress of the deficient laws of the Federation which have little or no punishment for illegal bunkering in the country.

Governor Uduaghan said in response to the willing acceptance of the amnesty by all armed youths in the state, government is executing a new town project for Okerenkoko and Ugborodo communities in Warri South West for positive transformation of the area.

The governor disclosed that pre-fabricated concrete works would be produced by an American firm for the housing projects being put up in the towns.

While tracing the history of the Niger Delta conflicts, Governor Uduaghan said rehabilitation and re-integration of the ex-militants is on course together with expert psychologists bathling to effect proper change of the mind-set of the youths during the camping period.

He noted that the Federal government change of policy for the region is bringing with it much infrastructure development while the oil companies are being tasked to employ people from the host communities in addition to the proposed ten percent equity shares to be managed by the oil bearing communities.

In a brief remark, the Director of the Institute of Security Studies, Bwari, Abuja, Mr. William Akande said the participants are ecstatic to hear from the governor on the impact of the amnesty programme as well as the likelihood of successful business investments in the region.

The participants were drawn from various security agencies of the Federal Government including the NNPC and NAFDAC.

The course would last for six months even as Governor Uduaghan has proposed a shorter version of it to be part of orientation for newly elected State Governors in the country