Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, has reacted to reports of a Nigerian-owned supertanker being seized by United States authorities over allegations of crude oil theft and illicit activities.
In a detailed post on X, Obi emphasized that he had previously warned the Nigerian government about these illegal activities. He called for a thorough investigation into the matter and described the incident as a “wake-up call.”
He wrote: “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.”
Obi further stated, “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.”
He urged that “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,” he concluded.
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