Group Warns Against Scapegoating Niger Deltans Over Oil Decline

The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has called on the federal government to dissociate the Niger Delta region from activities linked to the current decline in oil and gas production.

MOSIEND National President, Dr Kennedy West, stated this yesterday during a stakeholders’ engagement programme organised by Pipeline and Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) in Port Harcourt.

PINL is the surveillance firm responsible for the eastern corridor of the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP), which covers Rivers, Bayelsa, Abia, and Imo States.

West said, “OPEC stated that there is a sharp decline in production. In a statement, it also mentioned that this could be due to pipeline vandalism or disputes involving NUPENG and others. That is not the truth. Let’s tell ourselves the truth.

“Pipeline Infrastructure or the people in the eastern corridor of the Trans Niger Pipeline should not be blamed, and our funds should be released to us regularly. There are certain things we must acknowledge.

“Right now, the federal government is actually investigating the poor supply of crude oil to local refineries. It is a systemic problem from there, not from the people.

“Let’s not link it to any issue arising from the Niger Delta. We have repented and remain resolute in ensuring that our environment and pipelines are well maintained,” he added.