From Kenechukwu Chukwuedozie, Yenagoa
Bayelsa State government has again warned those engaging in oil bunkering activities in the state to desist forthwith, saying the full weight of the law would be brought to bear on perpetrators.
The government stated this on Thursday at the end of 15th session of the Bayelsa State Security Council meeting presided over by Governor Douye Diri in Government House, Yenagoa.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters (1), Mr Akpoebi Agberebi, who briefed reporters in government house after the meeting, said the council noted the activities of operators of illegal refineries in the state, which had adversely impacted on the environment causing soot and other health hazards.
His words: “One of the areas the council deliberated upon had to do with the environmental problems that Bayelsans are facing as a result of bunkering activities that are now causing soot.
“The perpetrators of such acts have been warned to desist from doing so otherwise the law will take its full course. Council assured that security agencies will be taking appropriate actions against those destroying our environment through illegal oil refining.”
He said the council also discussed the flagrant violation of the existing ban on commercial motorcycles in the state.
The governor’s aide, who said individuals flouting the ban would have their motorcycles impounded and confiscated, stressed that agencies with branded motorcycles are expected to formally apply to the Ministry of Transport for exemption.
Mr Agberebi also expressed the council’s displeasure over the re-emergence of scrap yards within Yenagoa, the state capital, stating that government would no longer condone the situation whereby the environment would be defaced with scraps.
The Environmental Sanitation Authority and the Physical Planning Development Board were directed to swing into action to ensure the removal of such scrap yards.
“Government has warned that it will no longer tolerate scraps in our environment. Those who continue to violate our environmental laws will be arrested and prosecuted.”
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