by crossriverwatch admin
Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State yesterday called for the strengthening of the legal framework to ensure those involved in petroleum oil theft are adequately punished.
Imoke made the call while receiving the Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) on Petroleum oil theft (Operation Pulo Shield) Maj. General Emmanuel J. Atewe, who paid him a courtesy call at
Government House, Calabar.
The governor said the call for the strengthening of the legal framework was necessary because of the international connections which the practice of crude oil theft attracts as well as its negative effects on the nation’s economy and environment, adding that the present legal status is hampering the function of the JTF on account of its weak framework.
According to him, “Those involved need to be prosecuted, and there is need to publicize and escalate it because of its international connections. Now that two Britons are in custody, it will help explain the capacity and technology involved because there is an international conspiracy.”
“This is something that needs the support of international partners because it is like cocaine which comes from Latin America but is consumed in the West in high demand. It should not be seen as a Nigerian problem because it is committed in Nigeria,” he said.
The governor also promised to support the Task Force fight oil theft and piracy in Bakassi, while commending and acknowledging the efforts of President Goodluck Jonathan, whose commitment
is unmatchable in his dedication and deployment of resources to ensure national security.
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