19th December, 2022
By Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt
Chidi Llyod, the chairman of Emohua Local Government of Rivers has reacted angrily to resurgence of illegal artisanal refining of petroleum products popularly known as Kponfire in the Ibaa and Rumuekpe communities of the area.
Local Government chairpersons in Rivers had some months ago embarked on destruction of the illegal refining sites in their areas based on directive of the state governor, Nyesom Wike.
The instruction from the governor followed the negative environmental impact of activities of the illegal refiners.
However, eeveral reports indicated that the illegal refiners are back in business in Emuoha local government.
Reacting to the development, Lloyd vowed that he will resurrect the war against the illegal refiners of the petroleum products.
The Local Government chairman who confirmed that the illegal oil refining has resurfaced in the two communities vowed that the full weight of the law would be brought against anyone engaged the business.
Dr Lloyd also called on security agencies and traditional institutions in Ibaa to be conscious of the illegal activities in their domain as any building identified as being used for storage of illegally refined petroleum products will be seized.
Lloyd had in the past accused security agencies of aiding and abetting the illegal activities.