… If NSCDC takes bribe to release, we will follow up – NUPENG Task Force Unit
Emmanuel Ufon
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Akwa Ibom State Command has arrested one Julius Berger truck driver with a truckload of suspected adulterated diesel in Uyo.
The Mercedes truck with Julius Berger number plate B7993 is currently impounded by NSCDC at their exhibit park located at Itam industrial layout.
For the past three days the public and other security operatives including the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) task force unit awaits NSCDC next line of action on the matter, according to a source.
Another source, who did not want her name on print, alleged that Julius Berger Nigeria PLC procurement unit has long compromised on the quality standard of materials used in Akwa Ibom State at the risk of the quality of job delivered here in the state and should be put on a constant check by the media for the safety of the public.
She further said that the company is cutting corners taking advantage of the prevalence of low-grade and contaminated diesel being offered at discounted prices by illegal refiners outside Akwa Ibom State.
According to the source: “It is quite disheartening that a multinational firm like Julius Berger PLC ignores the dangers associated with a low grade and contaminated diesel which is very harmful to the environment.
“This is not the first or second-time NSCDC has apprehended them on this case, it is a recurring decimal, the company engages a high powered security delegation who lobbied with NSCDC and released their trucks any time such incidence occurred, this time around the product sample should be opened in the public for others to also cross-examined including the media community.
“I’m fully convinced that NSCDC does take bribes on this issue because if you go now to their office you will see Julius Berger Staff lobbying them for a way out, I’m not comfortable with the corrupt public security officers here in Akwa Ibom State, our leaders should stand up and defend the state, Mr. Victor Etefia who is an experienced petroleum Leader should stand up and defend his office as the SA to Akwa Ibom State Governor on Petroleum matters.
“The state government gives contract to a company who goes outside the state to bring all rubbish raw materials including the least item like diesel which Akwa Ibom people can get from NNPC here and supply them and that will reduce capital flight yet we allow them to use their truck to load else way if the load else way with their truck who will check the content at the gate? You see – here there is no check and balance, no division of labor. The winner takes it all, ” she exclaimed.
Speaking alao, the task force unit officer of the Petroleum Tankers Drivers of NUPENG, Mr. Ubong Emmanuel while fielding questions from journalists at the exhibit yard of NSCDC said they are waiting to also impound the truck if eventually released by NSCDC without due process.
He affirmed that Julius Berger truck drivers move around the state with adulterated diesel without the product waybill and any attempt to approach them on that, they will call their Army men from their operational yard to deal with them.
On his part, the Public Relation Officer of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, DSC Ukeme Umanah when contacted to check on the waybill of goods said he has not yet received the operational report of the case but that he is aware of the truck impounded at the exhibit yard of the command.
All attempts to speak with Julius Berger, PRO was to no avail, the company’s secretary, Mrs. Chi Chi who declines the comment said the PRO is outside the state and will be back on seat in less than a week interval.