PENGASSAN to Jonathan on oil theft: You lied

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria has faulted President Goodluck Jonathan’s claim that his government has been able to check the rising oil theft in the country.
Rather, PENGASSAN said that the steps taken by the government have been far inadequate.
The position of PENGASSAN was stated by the National President of the union, Comrade Babatunde Ogun, in a statement on Monday.
Jonathan had on Sunday during his fifth Media Chat said that his government has gone far in tackling oil theft.
But Ogun, in the statement, said that owing to the rising cases of oil theft and kidnapping, oil companies have been divesting rather than investing in the oil industry.
Ogun said in the statement made available to the media on Monday by the National Public Relations Officer of PENGASSAN, Comrade Seyi Gambo: “The action to reduce oil theft and kidnapping of oil workers thus far are grossly inadequate.
“For the past two years there has been no new investment in the oil and gas sector by the International Oil Companies because of the non-passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, there is massive divestment from Nigeria to more investment friendly nations in Africa because of inadequate security of personnel and infrastructural assets.
“About 20,000 jobs will be lost by the first quarter of 2014 if divestment continues at this rate.
“President Goodluck should crush it now and not wait until the cancer consumes the economic fabric of our nation and natural inheritance. He should have the courage to ask for help from outside our shores if help cannot come within.”