THE Federal Government said yesterday that it had lost this year alone a whooping sum of N6 Billion to pipeline vandalisation and bunkering. The Minister of Information, Chief Chukwuemeka Chikelu disclosed this yesterday at the end of the first meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC). Yesterday’s meeting was the first since the new Ministers were sworn- in. The Information Minister also disclosed the resolution of the Federal Government to auction most properties of Government scattered all over the Federation. Briefing State House correspondents on the outcome of the meeting he regretted the vandalisation of oil pipelines and oil bunkering and said that government has resolved to tow the line of peace by embarking on intensive public awareness campaign and consultations with community/opinion leaders throughout the country in close collaboration with oil production companies to arrest the situation. “Rather than take rash actions that may create problems, the government has decided to reach out to the people. The government does not want to take actions without reaching out to community leaders and those it governs over this very critical issue,” the Minister said. He revealed the categories of those to be consulted, saying they include traditional rulers, religious/community leaders diplomatic missions, labour leaders and oil dealers. Chikelu who was addressing the press for the first time in his capacity as the Minister of Information and National Orientation also said ministers used the meeting to append signatures on the new code of ethics designed for public office holders by the president. Full Story
About OODA Analyst
OODA is comprised of a unique team of international experts capable of providing advanced intelligence and analysis, strategy and planning support, risk and threat management, training, decision support, crisis response, and security services to global corporations and governments.