Operators of illegal refineries in Niger Delta have demanded for amnesty from the Federal Government to enable them end the illicit trade.
In a statement made available to National Mirror yesterday, their spokesman, Mr. White Tamama, vowed that they continue with the illegal business until the Federal Government offered them reparation for the property, such as boats, “refineries” and houses destroyed by its agent.
He said: “We expect the government to encourage and complement us for coming up with these lucrative inventory skills to assist in creating millions of jobs for Nigerians youths.”
Besides, Tamama demanded the immediate release of all the operators detained by security agencies.
He said: “After this, the government should convey a round table discussion.
Nothing will stop us, despite the heavy military presence, burning of boats and our refineries.” Tamama noted that the illicit trade had been booming in some parts of Niger Delta, as some powerful businessmen acquired weapons to fight security operatives to enable them continue the sabotage.
It will be recalled that an activist, Austin Ozobo, advocated the legalisation of illegal refineries by the government. He said that the illegal refineries had created more than 50, 000 jobs for youths and had improved the constant supply of petroleum products across the country.
“Local refineries in the country have helped boost the downstream sector of the oil industry. It increases the supply and availability of petroleum products,” Ozobo said.
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