Governor Alex Otti of Abia, on Friday, inaugurated a 27-member Task Force Team on Petroleum, under the Abia State Harmonised Task Force (ASHTF), with a mandate to combat oil theft in the state.
In a speech at the inauguration, held at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Umuahia, he charged the team to be tough on pipeline vandals as well as erring petroleum marketers at various outlets in the state.
The governor, represented by the Commissioner, Mr Uzor Nwachukwu, the Commissioner, who doubles as the Chairman, ASHTF, bemoaned the activities of oil bunkerers in the state.
He urged them to discharge their duties without fear or favour, by ensuring that people who engage in fraudulent dispensing of products did not have a place in the state.
He congratulated the team and said that the government expected that a lot of revenues would be accrued to the state through their activities.
He said that about 12 military personnel, including the Navy, Army and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, would be part of the team.
“Your work is a lot more technical in nature and we believe that you have complex work to do in the state.
“The work you are about to embark on is for you to continue to contribute your quota for the advancement of our state,” he said.
In an acceptance speech, the Team Leader, Air Commodore Sunday Azubuike (rtd), thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve.
Azubuike, who said he and his members were lucky to be part of the team, promised that they would discharge their duties efficiently.
