The South-South Youth Initiative (SSYI) has made serious allegations against prominent members of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Independent Petroleum Marketeers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) regarding their involvement in illegal oil bunkering activities in the Niger Delta region. These accusations have intensified as the SSYI sheds light on the actions of outgoing commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Rivers State, Michael Besong Ogar. According to the SSYI, Ogar authorized the auctioning of trucks that were apprehended while transporting illegal petroleum products, acting in accordance with court orders.
During a press briefing in Port Harcourt, the national president of SSYI, Comrade Imeade Saviour Oscar, expressed his disappointment with NUPENG and IPMAN members who blocked a major road leading to the NSCDC state headquarters. He considered their actions as contempt of court. Imeade emphasized that Ogar never acted without legal authority, as his actions were based on the law that established the NSCDC, the Nigerian Constitution, and court pronouncements or judgments. Specifically, the recent case involved a court order by Honorable Justice S.I. Mark in Port Harcourt, which granted an interim order for the forfeiture of three trucks engaged in illegal activities to the federal government based on a suit filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation against unknown owners of abandoned tankers.
Imeade asserted that Ogar’s actions were fully justified and in line with the court order sought by the federal government. However, he expressed concern over the alleged involvement of top NUPENG and IPMAN members in oil bunkering activities. This situation appears to be a case of corruption fighting back, as these influential members perceive Ogar as an obstacle to their illicit activities and have sought his removal at any cost. SSYI calls upon the Commandant-General of NSCDC, Dr. Ahmed Audi, to resist the influence of self-centered politicians and individuals. Instead, his decisions should be guided by factual evidence and professionalism.