A non-partisan Environment Protection Coalition, Our Habitat, has thrown its weight behind the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor over the destruction of an illegal oil bunkering vessel.
The coalition also said its investigations revealed that some of those condemning the burning of the vessel are collaborators of oil thieves in the Niger delta.
The CDS had defended the destruction of the vessel, saying there was nothing sinister about the swift destruction of an oil bunkering vessel by security operatives.
He said, “There are various approaches, various solutions to a problem and at any time based on certain factors, certain considerations, available to those that are at the frontline, actions are taken based on the directive which are contained in the rules of engagement.
“So, the burning of the vessel, it is because the thief was caught in the act and the procedure, if you are caught in the act, is that everything you are using to undertake that criminal activity should be destroyed and that was done.
“What investigation do you need that you find somebody who decided to deplore several pumping machines and has several hoses that are deployed to a dug out pit where crude oil is stored over a period?
“It was caught in the act. So, the instrument of operation was what was destroyed. I think it is straightforward. Whether that is the best is a different matter entirely but did they act in line with the rules of engagement? Yes, they did.”
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, reacting to the comments called for the sack of the CDS saying the burning of the vessel is illegal as he accused the military of cover-up.
The Environment Coalition in a press release on Tuesday signed by the Convener, Davidson Wariboko condemned the call for the sack of the CDS, saying at no other time in the history of Nigeria has the Armed Forces shown strong determination and courage to tackle oil bunkering.
The Coalition said oil thieves have caused terrible environmental damage to oil producing areas, hence decisive actions against them is justified.
“They are causing the country economic sabotage and same time environmental degradation in oil producing areas.
The Coalition said, “Calling for the sack of the CDS show the oil thieves are fighting back. They are hiding behind the law to condemn the destruction of the vessel, while at the same time causing serious environment degradation in the cause of their criminal activities.
“Since assumption of office as the CDS, Gen. Irabor has met stakeholders in the oil sector, security, traditional rulers and others in a bid to tackle the stealing of our common wealth.
“At no time in the history of Nigeria like now, has the leadership of the Armed Forces shown determination and courage to face the economic saboteurs headlong. It seems they are now fighting back.
The Coalition urged residents of the oil producing areas and other stakeholders to cooperate with the military to tackle the criminals and make their environment better.
