The group commended the efforts of the operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for effectively taking the war against oil thieves to the den of the perpetrators, noting that the action had stemmed from incidences of oil sector fraud in the state.
The state chairman of the association, Mr Sam Osung, said on Friday that the NSCDC had fought the oil sector illegalities in the state to a standstill in the last five months.
Osung, a former Head of the Surveillance and Intelligence Monitoring team of the Independent Marketers Association of Nigeria for Akwa Ibom and Cross River states, said the sector would have been completely cleansed of the scourge if all the hands of the industry stakeholders were on the deck.
The chairman, who recalled that there had been a series of petitions against the NSCDC in the past, bordering on security lapses, expressed optimism that such actions had since reinforced the combat-readiness of the NSCDC operatives to tackle the oil sector thieves.
He said: “As stakeholders in the downstream supply and distribution chain, we cannot take for granted the role of the NSCDC, especially in the area of mitigating irregularities and enabling a good atmosphere for legitimate businesses to thrive.
“About this time last year and up to early February this year, the business community, especially in oil and gas were uncomfortable with the method deployed by the then leadership of Akwa Ibom State Command. That resulted in the reaction of IPMAN, which culminated in a petition submitted to your office on February 10 this year.
“Because of this, the Command could not retain the trust and confidence of the people owing to their method of operation which led to reputation sabotage
“We understand the level of commitment and hard work it may have cost you to save the image of the Corps and regain the trust of the people.
He added, “We are proud of your efforts and commitment to service as demonstrated through the Current Akwa Ibom State Commandant and his Anti-Vandals team
“The entire stakeholders and agencies are having and enjoying a good working relationship with your team and we are sure the government of Akwa Ibom state is enjoying the same working relationship. The proficient manner through which the Commandant and the Anti Vandals Team deploy in carrying out their duty is commendable
“We are grateful for your proactive and diplomatic measures in dealing with issues and the selflessness portrayed by your Akwa Ibom state Commandant.”
