January 3, 2022

An overtly angry Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers has ordered the shutdown of illegal crude oil refining sites in the state with immediate effect.

This followed series of complaints from residents about rising volume of black soot in the atmosphere which medical experts have said is carcinogenic and could trigger other lung-related ailments.

The governor ordered all council chairmen and community leaders to report those behind illegal bunkering and crude oil refining sites in their localities to his office for prosecution.

Wike said that despite bringing the issue to the attention of the Federal Government on numerous occasions, nothing has been done to address the situation. The Governor has openly complained and solicited the intervention of the Federal Government.

“Since the federal security agencies have largely refused to stop the illegal crude oil refining activities in the state, we have no option than to take necessary measures to tackle this particular and direct challenge to our collective health and survival by ourselves,” Wike said.

“Consequently, I have directed the chairman of Port Harcourt city local government council to go after all the illegal crude oil refining sites along Creek road and adjourning areas of the city and shut them down with immediate effect.

“Furthermore, all local government chairmen are directed to work with community leaders to locate and identify those behind all illegal bunkering and crude oil refining sites in their localities and report to my office for further action.”