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From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State Government has issued a stern warning to individuals and groups involved in pipeline vandalism and illegal collection of levies and taxes to desist from the nefarious acts or face the wrath of the law.
The Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, gave the warnings at an enlarged security meeting with first class traditional rulers, service commanders, local government chairmen, and the leadership of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) central zone and other youth bodies at his office in Government House, Yenagoa.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo decried oil pipeline vandalism, stressing it was not only an economic crime but, also, a problem with long term effect that adversely affects the environment and revenues of the state.
He pointed out that the state monthly revenue drops each time there is a shortfall in its output in oil production, as a major part of its income from the Federation Account actually comes from the 13 percent derivation, which is intricately tied to oil production.
On the issue of illegal roadblocks and collection of levies on the highways, especially the East-West Road, Senator Ewhrudjakpo, said the image of Bayelsa had been badly dented, adding that such activities were discouraging investors from the state. He further said the collection of unauthorised levies contributes to high cost of goods in Bayelsa and, therefore, called on the IYC and its affiliates to engage the youths of the state on the need to refrain from the practice.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo also directed the local government chairmen to convene security meetings with traditional rulers, the police and other stakeholders every month, to address security issues in their areas.
“There are so many roadblocks along the East-West Expressway. There is also the issue of vandalism of oil pipelines. The most recent case took place in Gbarain in the Yenagoa LGA of the state. Bayelsa cannot make progress in this kind of atmosphere. When oil pipelines are burst, it affects our output, and consequently our monthly revenue. Bayelsa gets just about N2 billion as allocation monthly; the rest comes from the 13 percent derivation.
“Bayelsa is wooing investors to come, yet some of our actions are scaring away investors from the shores of our state.
We need investors, but investors can’t come to do business in a hostile environment.”
In their contributions, the Ebenanawei of Bomo Clan, King Joshua Igbugburu, the Obenibe of Epie, King Malla Sasime and Ibenanaowei of Gbarain Kingdom, King Funpere Akah, promised to work closely with security agencies to curb criminal tendencies in their domains.
