Oil Theft: Niger Delta Minister meets Jonathan, Asari Dokubo, seeks resolution

Minister of Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh, has met with former President Goodluck Jonathan and a prominent Ijaw figure, Asari Dokubo, to seek advice on how the menace of crude oil theft can be checked.

The minister, who said that urgent strategies are needed to combat crude theft, lamented that the menace has been detrimental to Nigeria’s oil production.
Momoh, who played host to Jonathan in his Abuja residence, also sought the input of the former President in areas of infrastructural development, as well as employment opportunities for the teeming youths of Niger Delta.

Momoh also appreciated Jonathan’s wisdom and generosity for taking the time to share his insights and guidance during the meeting, adding that his wealth of experience and dedication to the betterment of Nigeria, especially the Niger Delta, was truly commendable.

The minister also commended the former President for his support and mentorship as they work together to address critical challenges and advance the development of the nation.

Meanwhile, during the minister’s meeting with Asari Dokubo, the former Niger Delta agitator expressed commitment to support the minister in his role as the Minister of Niger Delta Development.

He noted that Momoh has shown commitment to addressing the infrastructural deficits in the region.

Dokubo advised that Niger Deltans should support the minister to ensure that he delivers and to stop enemies of the region from causing obstructions that will derail the development plan of the ministry under Momoh’s watch.

He called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure he brings the immediate past Attorney General of Federation, Mallam Abubakar Mallami, to return alleged N600 billion belonging to the Ministry of Niger Delta Development, which he wrongfully channeled to projects that were unrelated to the region.

He pointed out that unknown to the former President, Muhammadu Buhari, the former attorney general used Niger Delta funds, through high handedness, for the Second Niger Bridge, Lagos-Ibadan Express Way and other irrelevant projects that have no connection to the Niger Delta.