LEGISLATIVE ROAD MAP TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN THE NIGER DELTA
THE UDUAGHAN MODEL.
One of the major legislative framework for sustainable development in the Niger Delta is the enactment of laws to regulate the activities of local refineries in the region and the handling/ disposal of stolen crude oil by security agencies. It is important to note that the security of pipelines in the Niger Delta requires a holistic approach that will ensure the economic well being of the Niger Delta people and put an end to incidence of pipeline vandalization and oil theft. The outcome of the various meetings held with local refineries operators and ex-militants has shown that aside the positive economic impact on the nation's economy, the legalization of local refineries will end pipelines vandalization and crude oil theft. Before independence, the British outlawed the local distillation of alcohol to pave way for the continued importation of foreign wine such as Brandy and Wisky which were produced through similar method of distillation as those produced locally in Nigeria. It was after independence that it became obvious that the colonial masters did it to boost their economy to the disadvantage of our people. In the same vein, the local refining technology can be developed to international standard with continuous support and encouragement by government . We are currently partnering with the management of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources on ways by which we can come up with improved Design of local refineries that can refine products that meet international standard. Similarly, the direct discharge into water bodies and the cumbustion of stolen crude oil by security agencies affects the environment in several ways . Combustion of fossil fuels( coal, oil and natural gas) releases large quantities of carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, methane , Chlorofluorocarbon(CFCs) and other green house gases into the atmosphere which has a wide range of environmental impacts on the Niger Delta area. Such impacts include; rising temperature of the lower atmosphere, acidification of the ocean as a result of acid rains caused by oxides of sulphur. The increased temperature of the lower atmosphere by green house gases is capable of causing flooding and change in weather pattern . Acid rain on the other hand has the potential to reduce population of fishes and other aquatic organisms which were hiterto the economic main stay of the Niger Delta people before the discovery of crude oil. It is a known fact that crude oil is classified under non renewable energy resources which means it can be depleted over time. If we don't make concious effort to safeguard our farm lands and aquatic environment, our people may face hardship and economic problems when most oil wells produce to abandonment condition. Moreover, another key aspect of the legislative framework is the need to make host communities co-owners of the oil business. Host communities should be given at least 5% ownership of oil facilities / business in their areas. This will greatly reduce incidence of pipelines vandalization and crude oil theft as host communities will take it as a priority to protect such oil facilities in their areas. The proceed from such partnership will be used to develop oil producing communities to the level where they will be able to survive a post oil economy in line with the Delta Beyond Oil initiative of the Uduaghan led administration. The vision is real and the time is now. Uduaghan for senate 2019 is the best choice for the good people of Delta South . APC take over Delta State. No challenge. By Comrade Sanco Ovie for Uduaghan Believer's Movement.
