Wike's War Against Illegal Oil Bunkering: A Practical Example Of A "di-èli" In Action 

In Ikwerre language, the term "di-èli", loosely refers to "son of the soil". Ikwerre people strongly believe that as long as their feet are on Ikwerre land, they cannot be destroyed unjustly, hence the fearlessness and conspicuous confidence that they often portray, especially when fighting for a just cause.

Normally, during most formal, as well as informal meetings, "di-èli" occupies a large part of the non-stop cultural greetings. It is as though there is a need to constantly remind each other of their warrior status and its attendant responsibilities.

Governor Nyesom Wike's war against illegal oil bunkering in Rivers State is a testament to the efficacy of the "di-èli" spirit. Like most of his actions in the state, he has approached this particular criminal activity with the zeal, fearlessness and doggedness of a "di-èli".

At a time, so many people, including this writer, were wondering if Wike would ever act like a "dieli" with respect to the issue of soot, which is the firstborn of illegal oil bunkering.

Soot was gradually killing Rivers people, time was running out, and the environmental menace was spreading like wildfire, while the criminals were becoming bolder and smiling to the bank.

Little did we know that, Governor Wike or if you like, Mr. Projects (as christined by Vice President Yemi Osibanjo), was busy setting up a grand plan that would be used in the ongoing frontal and ruthless attack on illegal oil bunkering in the state.

While presenting his new year's address to Rivers people, he read a riot act to the perpetrators of illegal oil bunkering, declaring a handful of them wanted, while warning the rest to desist from their nefarious activities or face the wrath of the law.

He directed the twenty three local government chairmen of the state to swing into action immediately. Their task was simple: identify, apprehend, prosecute the criminals, and destroy all illegal oil bunkering sites.

Barely one week after he issued the historical order, the state has become too hot for illegal bunkering activities. The local government chairmen have swung into action, and the hunt for the criminals have commenced in earnest.

In fact, the governor and his team stormed some illegal refinery sites in Ikwerre and Emuoha Local Government Areas, respectively, in search of the perpetrators.

Speaking at an illegal refinery site in Ibaa Community of Emuoha LGA, the governor said: "The safety of my people is more important to me. You can't be doing this and killing my people, no reasonable government would allow that."

So far, some illegal oil refinery sites have been destroyed, many perpetrators have been arrested, and the atmosphere in the state is coming back to life as people are beginning to inhale fresh air once again!

And there you have it! A "di-èli" is in action, and I can say without mincing words that, this war will be highly impactful, and an end to illegal oil bunkering and the ravaging soot is in sight.