The Movement for the Survival of Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has said any sane person must be frightened by the activities of illegal refinery operators and support the efforts of Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, to stem the tide.
The group, in a statement by its National Director of Mobilisation, Alhaji Bara Brown made available to our correspondent, said it was excited that Wike was leading the march to solve the soot pandemic by de-escalating illegal bunkering.
He expressed joy about the appointment of Marvin Kofi Thompson as the chairman, Task Force on Illegal Bunkering and Crude Oil Refining, in Degema Local Government.
Brown described the appointment of Thompson, who was acting chairman of MOSIEND, Abuja chapter, as timely.
ALSO READ You Lack Regulatory Powers On Maritime Sector, Fishermen Challenge Akwa Ibom Govt
He described Thompson as a disciplined and focused youth leader with a capacity to mobilise community support to stem the tide of unwholesome practices in the area.
He said: “MOSIEND has embarked on sensitisation campaign to see how such practices, which make the Niger Delta unsafe and unattractive to investors, can be nipped in the bud.
“Any sane person should be frightened over the growing rate of illegal bunkering, cultism, sea piracy, kidnapping, ritual killings for fast money and other environmental sharp practices, which are eating deep into the psyche and mindset of the average jobless youth.”
Recall that the Indigenes of Asarama community in Andoni Local Government of Rivers State had threatened to embark on a peaceful protest against Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, over alleged neglect of their rights and privileges in the ongoing multi-billion Bodo-Bonny road construction.
They expressed their grievances in a statement in Port Harcourt titled: ‘Provocative conspiracies and sabotage against the interest of Asarama people by Julius Berger PLC.”
It was signed by the Chairman, Asarama Divisional Council of Chiefs, Macmoses Jiawaireakong; Council Secretary, Chief Okikereawaji Nkangwung; CDC Chairman, Elder Mark Animisa; among others.