By Ebere Nwafor
ABUJA/Nigeria: In a significant boost to Nigeria’s fight against crude oil theft, the civil society group, Organisations for Human and Peoples Rights Protection (OHPRPH), has declared strong support for the appointment of Senator Ned Nwoko as Chairman of the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft.
In a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Ezekiel Kagbala, and Publicity Secretary, Chief Mrs. Rosemary Ishioma Oshilim, the group emphasized the urgency of tackling crude oil theft, a menace that has crippled the nation’s economy and caused severe environmental degradation.
“Senator Nwoko’s appointment comes at a critical time when the nation is grappling with the devastating consequences of oil theft. This criminal activity not only depletes the country’s resources but also affects the livelihoods of many Nigerians,” the group stated.
Kagbala commended Nwoko’s track record as a dedicated public servant, highlighting his commitment to addressing national challenges.
“His vast experience and dedication to the welfare of the Nigerian people make him the ideal candidate to chair this committee. We believe that under his leadership, the committee will develop effective strategies to curb oil theft while promoting transparency and accountability in the oil sector,” the statement added.
The group further stressed the need for robust frameworks to prevent oil theft and ensure that Nigeria’s natural resources are utilized for the benefit of its citizens.
“We urge Senator Nwoko to work closely with all relevant stakeholders, including local communities, to devise sustainable solutions that address the root causes of crude oil theft,” Kagbala said.
As a strong advocate for human rights and environmental protection, the organization described Nwoko’s appointment as a step in the right direction.
OHPRPH expressed optimism that the committee will work diligently to restore integrity in Nigeria’s oil industry while safeguarding the environment for future generations.
With Senator Nwoko now at the helm of the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft, stakeholders across the nation are hopeful that his leadership will mark a decisive shift in the battle against corruption and resource mismanagement.
