King Bubaraye Dakolo Agada IV,
Bayelsa monarch blames oil mismanagement for Nigeria’s insecurity
Ani Bassey
King Bubaraye Dakolo Agada IV,
The Ibenanaowie of Ekpetiama Kingdom and Chairman Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, King Bubaraye Dakolo Agada IV, has attributed the rising insecurity in Nigeria to the mismanagement of oil resources.
Speaking at the 14th Extraordinary General Assembly of the South South Monarchs Forum in Calabar, King Agada IV emphasized that the root cause of insecurity lies in the mismanagement of oil and gas resources.
The monarch noted that the federal government’s approach to solving insecurity by acquiring more guns is misguided. Instead, he advocated for a more holistic approach, addressing the poverty and hunger that drive people to desperation. “Mismanagement of oil and gas resources has made people hungry, poor, sick, and risky,” he said.
King Agada IV also faulted the joint task force on oil theft, arguing that they are not targeting the real culprits. “Oil thieves are not from the Niger Delta and cannot stay there overnight,” he said. “They live in Europe and America, carrying out their activities in the Niger Delta.” He added that those found in the Niger Delta involved in crude oil theft are often victims who have been driven to desperation.
The monarch estimated that over one trillion dollars have been stolen through oil theft, with the money stashed in foreign banks. He insisted that liberalizing the oil sector and ensuring wealth distribution is the way forward. “This would have been enough to solve the challenge of insecurity in Nigeria,” he said.
The 14th Extraordinary General Assembly of the South South Monarchs Forum had as its theme: “Strengthening Regional Security in the Collective National Interest: Responsibilities of the South South Traditional Rulers.” King Agada IV’s remarks underscored the need for a more nuanced approach to addressing insecurity in Nigeria.
