By Freeborn Eghagha, Ghene Igbogidi, Christopher Odamah and Oreva Godwin
Delta State Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Hon. Chief Peter Okagbare Uviejitobor JP has said that the government will soon clampdown on illegal gas retailers.
He said, the move was to prevent incidents of gas explosion and promote safety in our respective communities, adding that the days of those involved in retail of gas without valid approval, were numbered.
Hon Uviejitobor, in an interview with Delta Revealed, explained that the delay in going after the illegal gas retailers was caused by absence of enabling law and logistical challenges.
He disclosed that the ministry was unable to move against the affected retailers, pointing that as a former lawmaker, he could not be seen indulging in an illegality.
“You know I am a former member of the Delta State House of Assembly. I was involved in making laws. So, I could not be involved in illegality. We also had the challenge of mobility – how to move from place to place”, he said.
The Commissioner however said the challenges of absence of law and lack of mobility would soon be a thing of the past.
“His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, the Governor, has asked us to present our demands. Once we get the approval, be assured that the days of those engaged in illegal retail of gas are numbered”, he declared.
The former lawmaker used the opportunity to sound a note of warning to traders, particularly those operating roadside kiosks to immediately stop their nefarious activities or be ready to face the full wrath of the law.
“If you know you don’t have DPR approval and that of other relevant agencies, know that your time is up. Government cannot tolerate the increasing explosion and loss of lives that we have seen in recent times”, he declared.
On reported clash between oil companies and host communities, the commissioner disclosed that mechanism has been put in place to svert such occurrences in the future.
He further spoke on plans to harvest the large gas deposits in Delta into Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), thereby increasing the internally generated revenue (IGR) of the state.
