His Royal Majesty, King Bubaraye Dakolo Agada iv, the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, Bayelsa State has advised that to ensure that peace reigns in the Niger Delta Region all the relevant stakeholders should ensure that no stolen crude goes to any of the European Union Countries.
Speaking last week in Yenagoa when a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), 'Search For Common Ground' launched a European Union (EU) funded peace project, the traditional ruler who is also the chairman of Bayelsa State traditional ruler's council disclosed that about ninety percent of crude stolen from the Niger Delta Region is taken to both Europe and America adding that even the ships used are foreign made.
He also advised that original petroleum products should be made available and at an affordable price to stop Kpo fire or adulterated products from selling.
He said " I want to draw the ernest attention all the parties involved that it seems that you didn't let the European Union know properly what is responsible for this criminality we are talking about. Looking at your brochure you have established that over 400,000 barrels of crude oil are stolen that runs into thrillions of naira yearly.
"Let me tell you for free that ninety percent of the stolen crude is taken to Europe and America and all the Ships used in stealing crude, there is none that is made in Nigeria. They are all foreign made so the European Union knows about it.
"If you want to ascertain peace in the Niger Delta, what we need to do is for the European Union to ensure that no stolen crude goes to their union countries. If that is done, it now becomes easier. We cannot continue to do cosmetics. Yes you are recording successes in your various programmes but to solve the problem, is there petroleum products out there?
"Can you go out and get petroleum at a good price? If we had, nobody will buy fake products from any kpo fire seller. The reason is that there is no well distilled petroleum at affordable price so that means that the market for counterfeiting will continue.
"So if the message will reach the European Union properly, they will ensure that things are done in a more proper way than this one that looks like you are mopping the floor when the roof is licking
Speaking earlier during the launch of the project tagged "A Community-Centered Approach to Transforming Criminality and Violence in the Niger Delta project, Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri had regretted that the Niger Delta region has long been plagued by the twin challenges of limited
opportunities, which breeds frustration and grows into criminality.
Represented by the secretary to state government Gideon Ekeowie, he said that posited that these challenges have hindered the growth and development of the communities and created a climate full of fear and insecurity.
The governor however expressed appreciation to the European Union for funding the project adding that "It is disheartening to witness the loss of lives, destruction of property and disruption of economic activities as a result of these challenges.
"Whereas, this may appear to be a small addition, it could have major implications in implementation. This is because attempts at transforming criminality and violence which is not intrinsically linked to the sustainable prosperity of the Niger Delta, will
not ensure the sustainable prosperity of Nigeria, the West Africa sub-regian and to some degree the world at large
"I would therefore, like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the European Union (EU) for their generous funding and support towards this peacebuilding project. The EU
has consistently shown a commitment to promoting peace, stability and sustainable
development across the globe.
"Your partnership with Bayelsa State is a testament to your belief in our potential to transform our region and consistent with our avowed mandate to bring shared prosperity to our dear state. We welcome collaboration such as this.
"However, I strongly believe that there is hope for a brighter future. The theme of today's event reflects the fundamental principle that sustainable peace and development can only be achieved through the active participation and engagement of our communities.The Bayelsa State Government is committed to implementing a multi-faceted approach towards transforming criminality and violence in our region.
In her welcome address, the Country Director of SEARCH, Fatima Abubakar, said the project launch will set a stage for a significant leap in their collective efforts to foster inclusive community security approaches and address the causes of violence and criminality in the region.
She said the 18-months project solely funded by the EU will be implemented in 33 local government across 66 communities in Bayelsa, Rivers and Delta states
She said, "Search design it's projects to collaborate with local and international partners, to spearhead impactful initiatives aimed at mitigating violence and building resilience in communities across Niger Delta.
"Recognizing the significance of community-led initiatives, we aim to empower the youth and engage diverse stakeholders to contribute to the socio-economic development of Bayelsa, fostering a safer and more secure environment for all.
The project is initiated by Search for Common Ground and has its implementing partners as Stakeholders Democratic Network (SDN) Academic Associate Peace Works (AAPW) and the Partnership Initiative for the Niger Delta PIND).
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