The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has reacted to reports that a Nigerian-owned supertanker has been seized by United State authorities.
The supertanker was seized over allegations of crude oil
theft and illicit activities.
In a long post on X, Obi said he had warned the Nigerian
government in the past about these illegal activities.
Obi called for proper investigation into the matter and said
the incident was a “wake-up call.”
He wrote: “My attention has been drawn to reports that the
Nigerian-owned supertanker was seized by the United States authorities over
allegations of crude oil theft and related illicit activities. While the full
facts are still emerging, this development is deeply troubling and speaks to a
much bigger crisis that has continued to undermine our national economy, our
global reputation, and the future of our young people.
“Severally over the years, I have consistently alerted that
Nigeria is losing billions of dollars annually to crude oil theft, a criminal
enterprise that has been allowed to thrive because of weak institutions, lack
of accountability, and an entrenched culture of impunity. When a nation’s most
valuable resources are stolen in broad daylight, whether at home or on the high
seas, its people inevitably suffer. Our schools deteriorate, our hospitals
remain underfunded, insecurity worsens, and millions slip further into poverty.
“The seriousness of this incident should be appreciated and
thorough investigation insituted to get the root of the matter.
“This incident should serve as a wake-up call. I have
consistently mentioned that ordinary Nigerians cannot steal crude oil, and no
responsible nation can afford to look away while its wealth is siphoned off by
a network of powerful individuals.
“We must strengthen our maritime security, reform our
regulatory agencies, digitise and transparently track every barrel of oil
produced in this country, and dismantle the criminal cartels that have operated
with impunity for decades.
“More importantly, we must rebuild Nigeria’s global image by
showing the world that we are serious about the rule of law, honest governance,
and responsible management of our national assets. A nation cannot attract
investment when it is constantly in the news for corruption, theft, and
mismanagement.
“Relevant Nigerian authorities should work with
international partners to establish the facts of this case and ensure that
anyone found complicit faces justice, without fear or favour. Our nation cannot
continue on this path.
“Nigeria has everything it needs to become a prosperous and
respected nation. What we lack is competent and compassionate leadership that
will prioritise the welfare of our citizens. It is time for that to change.”
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