CHAIRMAN of Warri North Local Government, Hon. Festus Ashima has condemned in strong terms, there cent vandalism of Chevron oil pipeline at Bibi Field in Eghoro Ward in the council area, .
Ashima, in a terse statement made available to the press through the Head of Information, Media and Publicity in the local government, Comrade Clement Asifor, yesterday, vowed to collaborate with security agencies to unravel the criminal elements responsible for the dastardly act and also placed a bounty of N5m for information that would lead the arrest of the perpetuators.
The chairman, who described the actions of the militant group as barbaric, strange and untenable under whatever guise, said the attacks were not only against the interest of Chevron Niger i a Limited but it was an attack against Nigeria and Nigerians, including Delta State and Warri North Local Government as the means of revenue to government would be affected.
He contended that destruction of critical infrastructure does not only pose a significant threat to the environment and public safety, but also undermines the economic development of the community and state. Wondering why the youth took such action, he asked, “Why would a group of disgruntled youths take to such extreme move to demonstrate their agitation instead of approaching the local government council in Koko where we attend to people and their challenges and the ones that are beyond our power, we liaise with our ever willing State Governor who helps us push the matter further for result”.
Adding that “the state government, under the Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori was doing its best in infrastructural and all-round development of the state through prudent management of meagre funds available to government, he stated, therefore, that government would not tolerate any attempt by anybody or group under any guise to sabotage means of revenue to the government of Delta State. He vowed that whoever was involved in the heinous act would surely face the full weight of the law. The chairman offered to give N5m to anyone with useful information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.
“I commend the security agencies for their prompt response to the incident and assure them of our continued support.
“Let us stand together against vandalism and all forms of criminality. Together, we can build a safer, more prosperous, and peaceful community.
“Anyone with useful information will be giving N5m”
