Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in his reaction noted that no responsible country could afford to ignore the siphoning of its wealth by powerful networks operating with little or no consequence.
A Nigerian-owned supertanker has been seized by the United States authorities over allegations of crude oil theft and related illicit activities.
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in his reaction noted that no responsible country could afford to ignore the siphoning of its wealth by powerful networks operating with little or no consequence.
Obi stated this on Saturday while reacting to the reports of the seizure of the Nigerian-owned supertanker by United States, describing it as a wake-up call for the nation.
The former Anambra State governor stressed that crude oil theft on such a scale could not have been carried out by ordinary Nigerians.
Obi in a statement shared on X handle, said he has consistently warned over the years that Nigeria loses billions of dollars annually to crude oil theft, a criminal enterprise he said has thrived due to weak institutions, lack of accountability, and an entrenched culture of impunity.
The statement partly read: "My attention has been drawn to reports that the Nigerian-owned supertanker was seized by the United States authorities over allegations of crude oil theft and related illicit activities. While the full facts are still emerging, this development is deeply troubling and speaks to a much bigger crisis that has continued to undermine our national economy, our global reputation, and the future of our young people.
"Severally over the years, I have consistently alerted that Nigeria is losing billions of dollars annually to crude oil theft, a criminal enterprise that has been allowed to thrive because of weak institutions, lack of accountability, and an entrenched culture of impunity. When a nation’s most valuable resources are stolen in broad daylight, whether at home or on the high seas, its people inevitably suffer. Our schools deteriorate, our hospitals remain underfunded, insecurity worsens, and millions slip further into poverty.
"The seriousness of this incident should be appreciated and thorough investigation instituted to get the root of the matter.
"This incident should serve as a wake-up call. I have consistently mentioned that ordinary Nigerians cannot steal crude oil, and no responsible nation can afford to look away while its wealth is siphoned off by a network of powerful individuals."
The former Anambra State governor argued that incidents of large-scale crude oil theft point to the involvement of well-connected individuals and organised networks rather than ordinary citizens.
"We must strengthen our maritime security, reform our regulatory agencies, digitise and transparently track every barrel of oil produced in this country, and dismantle the criminal cartels that have operated with impunity for decades," he said.
Obi further stressed the importance of restoring Nigeria’s international image by demonstrating seriousness about the rule of law, honest governance, and responsible management of national assets.
"More importantly, we must rebuild Nigeria’s global image by showing the world that we are serious about the rule of law, honest governance, and responsible management of our national assets. A nation cannot attract investment when it is constantly in the news for corruption, theft, and mismanagement.
"Relevant Nigerian authorities should work with international partners to establish the facts of this case and ensure that anyone found complicit faces justice, without fear or favour. Our nation cannot continue on this path.
"Nigeria has everything it needs to become a prosperous and respected nation. What we lack is competent and compassionate leadership that will prioritise the welfare of our citizens. It is time for that to change."