National Assembly

By Omololu Ogunmade

The Senator representing Imo Central senatorial district in the Senate, Christiana Anyanwu, Monday alleged that oil theft, vandalism and illegal bunkering activities thrive in the country as a result of the connivance of foreign firms and their perpetrators.

Anyanwu made this allegation in Abuja during an interactive session with journalists in the premises of the National Assembly.
According to her, whereas the problem began with ordinary men using few canoes to perpetrate the illegal acts, it has now degenerated into a  full bloom problem sponsored by an “influential cabal and supported by foreign firms.

Anyanwu also regretted that the menace had developed into a national crisis with adverse effects on effective and full implementation of the budget.

“Oil theft, vandalism and illegal bunkering are being aided and abetted by foreign firms,” she said.

She added that the degree of the menace has begun to take its toll on national growth and development adding that the Nigerian Navy can tackle the problem if it is adequately equipped.

“The Navy can come in because it is the major force at our seas and it can chase away the illegal bunkerers. But it must have the right vessels to fight the illegality. The sea is massive, taking almost one third of the landmass. So the Navy needs to be re-equipped and re-engineered,” she said.