Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, on Friday called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to take decisive action against illegal crude oil bunkering in the Niger Delta, stressing that this will go a long way in reducing the nation’s urge for foreign loans.
Adeyanju emphasized that the country’s vast oil resources have the potential to sustain Nigeria if they are properly managed.
Adeyanju’s comments came in response to the recent arrest and release of investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo by the Nigerian Army in Rivers State.
He criticized the government for failing to address the root causes of crude oil theft, which he believes is facilitated by the collusion of state actors, according to the Guardian.
He also pointed out that if the government effectively combats oil theft, Nigeria could avoid borrowing from foreign countries like China, Brazil, or international institutions such as the IMF.
The human rights lawyer highlighted that illegal bunkering is often shielded by influential individuals and agencies within the state, which undermines the country’s wealth in crude oil. Adeyanju argued that the government’s failure to tackle this issue allows for the continued looting of the nation’s resources.
Adeyanju’s remarks followed the arrest of Soyombo, who, along with other journalists, was detained by the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt on suspicion of oil bunkering. After a public outcry, Soyombo was released after three days in custody. In a press conference in Abuja, Adeyanju reiterated that crude oil theft in Nigeria is not possible without the involvement of state actors and urged the government to take a firm stance on the issue. He also called for the protection of journalists like Soyombo, ensuring they can report on corruption and criminal activities without fear of harassment.
Adeyanju stated: “We’ve been warning for years that crude oil theft is not possible without the involvement of state actors. The Nigerian government must take a firm stance against this issue. Journalists like Fisayo must be protected so they can do their jobs, report on corruption, and expose criminal activities without fear of harassment.”
