#georgeakume

[jayessentialsblog]

SGF Akume: Since 2020, almost $1.5 billion has been spent to combat crude oil theft

Since 2020, the protection of oil infrastructure and the fight against crude oil theft have received approximately $1.5 billion in funding, according to George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). During a House of Representatives public hearing on crude oil theft and losses in Nigeria on Thursday, Akume disclosed this information. Akume emphasised the persistent problem of crude oil theft, stressing its negative effects on the security of the country, the economy, and the confidence of domestic and foreign stakeholders. He said "Crude oil theft continues to undermine our national economy, compromise our security, and erode the trust of both local and international stakeholders." The SGF cited the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative's (NEITI) 2020 oil and gas report, which stated that over 619 million barrels of crude oil worth $46 billion were stolen between 2009 and 2020. Akume demanded that the legal system be strengthened in order to ensure that those who steal crude oil face harsh penalties in order to successfully tackle this problem. "There is a need to strengthen the legal framework to ensure that those who engage in crude oil theft are made to face the full wrath of the law," He added. The public hearing highlighted the critical need for comprehensive measures to protect Nigeria's oil infrastructure and curtail the significant losses due to crude oil theft. He stated; “Therefore, Nigeria has continually failed to meet its daily production quota as set by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). “This not only undermines our revenues but also hampers the provision of essential services that millions of Nigerians rely upon. The government has invested considerable resources in combating this menace. Since 2020, expenditure aimed at addressing crude oil theft and securing our oil infrastructure has exceeded $1.5 billion. “These funds have been allocated towards enhancing surveillance capabilities, securing pipelines, and increasing the presence of law enforcement agencies in critical oil-producing areas. “Thus, this hearing marks a pivotal step in our concerted efforts to confront this issue head-on. It is a demonstration of the government’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. “Today, we come together not only to scrutinize the extent of oil theft and its implications but also to chart a course for comprehensive solutions that will safeguard our nation’s wealth.” Read the full article

[freelanews-blog]

Akume has given Miyetti Allah reason to attack Benue again - Tiv youths

The Tiv Youth Organization has berated Senator George Akume for his statement concerning the herdsmen attacks in Benue state. Akume, a former governor of the state, had said the Benue government and not armed Fulani herdsmen were responsible for the mass killings in the state. Akume who is also the chairman Senate committee on army, made the comment when he led some Benue indigenes to visit President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Friday, November 23. The group was reacting to Miyetti Allah's stance citing the statement of Akume as confirmation that the people of Benue are the ones killing themselves. In a press statement sent to us by its president, Timothy Hembaor, the Tiv group said Senator Akume has given Miyetti Allah groups a reason to sponsor more attacks on Benue communities. During the presentation of the Amnesty International's report on herders and farmers crises in Nigeria titled "Harvest of Death," the national secretary of Miyetti Allah, Engineer Saleh Alhassan had cited the statement of Akume as confirmation that the people of the state are the ones killing themselves and not Fulani herdsmen. “Senator Akume has told the whole world that it was Governor Ortom that recruited those that are responsible for the killings in the Benue Valley,” Saleh said. Hembaor said: “The Miyetti Allah spokesman made this mockery of a statement in the presence of ambassadors of several European countries and diplomats from other parts of the world. “We are deeply worried by this development because Senator Akume has given Miyetti Allah groups a reason to sponsor more gory attacks on innocent Benue communities. “Now, the terrorists have an alibi to hide under and send their armed militia to spill more blood in Benue state, no thanks to the political and ill-motivated comments of Senator Akume. “We are still shocked that the senator is yet to publicly apologize to the state despite the wide condemnations that followed his shameful statement. “We once again condemn Senator Akume's comments and demand a public apology from him to Benue people. “We have now seen the ugly faces of the traitors among us. We now know that Senator Akume is one of those conspiring with terror groups like Miyetti Allah to sustain the mindless bloodletting in Benue state. “If any herdsmen attack take place in Benue from now going forward, Senator Akume and his Miyetti Allah partners should be held accountable.” Former Senate President, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, had described Akume statement as, “unfortunate, irresponsible and embarrassing to Benue state, considering the position he occupies in the society.” Dr. Ayu regretted that such a statement was coming from Senator Akume, “who as the Senate committee chairman on army has failed woefully to prevail on the federal government to end the killing of hundreds of innocent people in the state only to make such a spurious allegation.” Read the full article