Oil thieves, just like terrorists, have waged war against Nigeria — Speaker, Gbajabiamila

Femi Gbajabiamila, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, has compared oil thieves to terrorists and implored the federal government to treat them as insurgents.

Mr Speaker, made this revelation while making his welcome address on Tuesday, at the resumption of legislative sitting at the green chamber.

The speaker has explained that despite the funds invested yearly on protection of oil assets, the arrangements put in place are not working.

The Informant247 recalls that the government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited had entered agreement to engage General Tompolo to put an end to illegal bunkering, refining and stealing of oil in the communities of Niger-Delta.

The multi-billion contract has generated controversial reactions from different angles across the country.

Mr Gbajabiamila in his speech implored the federal government to treat oil thieves as terrorists.

“There are mechanisms in place to prevent these sorts of bad actors, and the government spends significant amounts of money each year to protect oil and gas resources in the country. Evidently, these existing arrangements do not suffice. As such, there is an urgent need to review them and make the necessary improvements.

“It is also of particular importance that the perpetrators of these crimes against the state are identified, prosecuted and subjected to the stiffest penalties the law allows. Those who seek to impoverish our country in this manner have declared war against the Nigerian people.

“ They are no different from the insurgents and terrorists against whom we are battling in various theatres. The government’s response must be sufficient to convince them of the error of their ways and deter others who might be tempted to join in their treason,” he said.