Decentralise Pipeline Surveillance Contract For Equity — Niger Delta Stakeholders

The Niger Delta Stakeholders Forum (NDSF) yesterday rose from an emergency meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State with an appeal to President Bola Tinubu to heed their counsel and decentralise the pipeline contracts across different states and influences that make up the region.

They warned that they were on their final effort to save the economy of the country from agitations over exclusion of stakeholders from the pipeline contracts as the present situation was threatening to erupt in protests and into wards actions.

The stakeholders a statement signed by Dr. Tari Theophilus condemned what they referred to as actions of the Presidential Amnesty Programme coordinator, Dr. Denis Burutu Otuaro, which they alleged threatens regional peace, national economic interests, and urgent reforms in pipeline / oil & gas infrastructure surveillance.

They said their call for full decentralisation of surveillance contracts across the Niger Delta was misrepresented by Dr. Otuaro and his affiliates as an “assault” on Tantita Security.

“The forum stresses, unequivocally, that our call is for the decentralisation of all surveillance contracts within the Niger Delta region to ensure local participation, equitable opportunities, and engagement of high-impact regional stakeholders, not to undermine any single operator.

“Reports indicate that some Phase 2 and Phase 3 leaders within the Amnesty Programme have been coerced and mobilized to participate in a protest tomorrow in support of Tantita Security and continued centralization. The Forum warns these leaders not to allow themselves to be used by those who have vowed to subjugate the entire Niger Delta region. We urge you to act with wisdom and understand that the reforms we seek is full decentralization of surveillance contracts that will be beneficial to you, your communities, and the region as a whole,” they said.

“We are aware that some of you have been threatened with the suspension of your stipends and allowances should you fail to align. We assure you that the Forum will stand by you if you face any form of victimization for supporting a vision of a prosperous, inclusive Niger Delta and a stronger nation.

“The Presidential Amnesty Programme is not the property of any individual, group, or kingdom, but a national institution serving the entire Niger Delta region,” they added.