Group slams military for burning vessels with stolen crude

*Says action destroys the ecosystem The Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) has decried the burning and destruction of vessels laden with stolen crude oil, describing it as a worrisome and environmentally unfriendly way of curbing oil theft. ERA/FoEN’s Executive Director, Barr. Chima Williams, in a statement signed by Communication Officer, Elvira Jordan, recently stated that the burning of crude oil-laden vessels disposes a high level of chemical content into the water bodies that destroys eco lives and aquatic organisms that humans need to survive.  “Destroying such vessels with their crude contents produces high-level chemical debris that follows tidal movement to other parts of the country. This kind of devastation destroys the aquatic organisms needed to satisfy man’s nutritional and survival needs. “What is discharged includes chemical contents from the crude and the vessels that are harmful to human health. The health implications of such activities may not have immediate effects but will be transferred to the people who inhabit these areas, as the primary occupation of the Riverine people is fishing and farming, which is dependent on the surrounding waters,” he said. He added that the destruction of crude oil laden vessels will also deprive the people of their sources of livelihood, when the chemical waste from the burnt vessels and crude oil comes in contact with the environment, killing aquatic life and poisoning the surrounding soil. The Executive Director stated that destroying and wasting stolen crude, is a disfavor to Nigeria’s economy noting that the product will generate funds that will build infrastructures and better the lives of the people. He said, “Destroying badges of crude that runs into millions is equivalent to denying the nation and its people of the revenue that can be derived from such large amounts of crude. This is a country in dire need of resources to rebuild the economy, to build infrastructures and to better the lives of the people. The country is in heavy dept, yet we are destroying sources of enhancing our economy. The burnt vessels can be transformed into other uses like enhancing the work of seafarers in the country.” On the legal implications, Williams explained that destroying the evidence would not make for the proper prosecution of the case. He stressed that such actions wipe away the key principles of the rule of law, as the chances of conviction or proper acquittal are no longer visible. According to him, this is a denial of justice to the nation, the individuals involved, and the victims of their negative operational conduct and activities. He called on military and security operatives to put an end to the burning of crude oil-laden vessels, as it goes against every tenet of environmental protection and environmental health.

Group decries lack of inclusion, calls for equity, representation in Benue

The Benue Rebirth Movement (BRM), a non-partisan political pressure group, has advocated for political inclusion in Benue state. Led by Air Vice-Marshal Monday Morgan (rtd), the National Coordinator, BRM joined concerned elders from Benue South Senatorial District (Zone C) to voice discontent over the exclusion of non-Tiv-speaking ethnic groups from the state’s democratic gains. Since the state’s creation in 1976, ethnic groups like Idoma, Igede, Jukun, Etulo, and Nyinfo have been denied the opportunity to hold the position of Governor, while political leadership roles have been carefully zoned and rotated among Tiv-speaking areas. Currently, about 90 percent of key positions at federal and state levels are occupied by the Tiv, exacerbating the marginalization of Benue South. According to a statement signed by BRM PMC, non-Tivs have faced opposition from major political parties in the state, with accusations of being sponsored against them. “Despite the recent change in government, the issue of marginalization persists, prompting BRM to call for fairness and representation. “The movement seeks justice for Zone C, comprising the Idoma and Igede communities, representing one-third of the state’s local government areas and population. BRM, supported by various senatorial zones, emphasizes the need for inclusive politics and governance. “Air Vice-Marshal Morgan, a retired Air Force Fighter Pilot, and former Chief of Defence Intelligence, has been at the forefront of this agitation. He has engaged with prominent leaders and sub-unit leaderships across the state to campaign for inclusive representation,” the statement said. While BRM remains resolute in its pursuit of justice, it called on the state Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, to address the existing imbalance in appointments and promote fair representation as BRM envisions a future where political emancipation is achieved for all the people of Benue state, regardless of their ethnic origins.