The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has inaugurated an ad-hoc committee of the Red Chambers with a charge to conduct a thorough investigation and uncover the root causes and perpetrators of economic sabotage activities in the petroleum sector.
Senator Akpabio tasked members of the Committee led by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele to leave no stoned unturned in identifying those behind these criminal acts, their methods and networks to reverse the nation’s economic downturn.
Akpabio lamented revenue loses from the illegal activities of the economic saboteurs which have deprived the country funds for development and said if left unchecked could cripple the economy and hinder the country’s progress.
A statement by the Special Assistant on Media and Communication to the President of the Senate, Anietie Ekong quoted Senator Akpabio to have said, “We must identify and hold accountable those responsible for these criminal acts. This is not merely an investigation; it is a rescue mission for our nation’s future. The integrity and prosperity of Nigeria depend on our ability to safeguard our petroleum industry.
“To this end, I charge the members of this ad-hoc committee to approach this task with the utmost diligence, transparency, and commitment. Your mandate is to conduct a thorough investigation, leaving no stone unturned.
“Collaborate with relevant agencies, industry experts, and stakeholders to uncover the root causes of these economic sabotage activities. Identify the perpetrators, their methods, and their networks,” he said.
Senator Akpabio charged members of the Committee to use their findings to propose robust and sustainable solutions to prevent future occurence.
Chairman of the Committee and the Leader of the Senate, Senator Bamidele assured that the Committee would approach its work with professionalism, integrity, balance, commitment and impartiality and work assiduously to accomplish their assignment within the given timeframe to justify the confidence reposed in the committee.
“I want to assure all stakeholders that the Ad hoc Committee will be open-minded to ensure fairness, equity and justice. Be rest assured that while the Committee will remain focused and unbiased throughout the course of the investigation, a thorough and holistic job will be done,” he said.
