Following the dangers posed to practices of illegal crude oil refineries in Rivers State, the Governor, Nyesom Wike, has declared 19 persons wanted for causing havock to residents health.
The governor, who announced this recently in a state broadcast said his administration had effectively resolved to handle the Soot Menace by shutting down all known illegal crude oil refining sites; while directing the Rivers State Head of Service to ensure he issues out query to one of the Directors in Civil Service and possibly, hand him over to the police for investigation relating to bunkering activities.
He charged the persons who have been identified as kingpins of bunkering and illegal crude oil refining activities in their communities to report to State Police Command, to whom they have already submitted their details to.
Moreso, the governor also maintained his stance on the order banning the use of motorcycles in Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt councils, which was the reason behind the threat posed to the security of lives and property.
According to Wike: “We have also identified those behind illegal bunkering activities in Okrika communities, Port Harcourt Township, Rivers South-East and Rivers South-West Senatorial Districts and their names would soon be published and they will be declared wanted if they fail to voluntarily report to the police station themselves.
“Any person or corporate entity that requires the use of motorcycle for any lawful purposes must therefore, first apply to the Office of the Governor for permit and proper documentation of the operational details and particulars of both the motorcycle and designated rider(s).
“Against this background, we are hereby issuing final warning to all those operating motorcycles shuttles and or hawking foreign exchange along Birabi Street, Hotel Presidential, GRA phases one and two.