Niger Delta Stakeholders Issue Urgent Appeal for Pipeline Surveillance Reform
The Niger Delta Stakeholders Forum (NDSF) has made a decisive appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to decentralize the pipeline surveillance contract across the various states and influential groups within the region. In a strongly worded statement, the stakeholders emphasized that this is their final effort to safeguard the nation's economy from escalating agitations caused by the exclusion of key regional players from the lucrative surveillance agreements.
Emergency Meeting in Port Harcourt Sparks Firm Demands
Following an emergency meeting held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the NDSF, represented by Dr. Tari Theophilus, issued a statement condemning what they describe as the detrimental actions of the Presidential Amnesty Programme Coordinator, Dr. Denis Burutu Otuaro. The stakeholders allege that Otuaro's conduct poses a direct threat to regional peace, national economic interests, and the necessary reforms in oil and gas infrastructure surveillance.
The Forum expressed deep regret that their advocacy for the full decentralization of surveillance contracts throughout the Niger Delta has been misrepresented by Otuaro and others as an 'assault' on Tantita Security, a prominent security firm. They clarified that their objective is not to undermine any single operator but to ensure broader participation and equitable opportunities.
Clarifying the Call for Decentralization
The statement articulated: "The Forum stresses, unequivocally, that our call for the decentralization of all surveillance contracts within the Niger Delta region is to ensure local participation, equitable opportunities, and engagement of high-impact regional stakeholders, not to undermine any single operator."
This clarification underscores the stakeholders' commitment to inclusive governance and economic empowerment, aiming to distribute benefits more evenly across the communities that are most affected by oil and gas operations.
Allegations of Coercion and Mobilization
The NDSF raised alarming reports indicating that some Phase 2 and Phase 3 leaders within the Amnesty Programme have been coerced and mobilized to participate in a protest in support of Tantita Security and the continued centralization of surveillance contracts. The Forum issued a stern warning to these leaders, advising them not to allow themselves to be used by individuals who seek to subjugate the entire Niger Delta region.
"We urge you to act with wisdom and understand that the reform we seek is full decentralization of surveillance contracts that will be beneficial to you, your communities, and the region as a whole," the statement advised.
Assurance Against Victimization
Addressing concerns of retaliation, the stakeholders revealed that some leaders have been threatened with the suspension of their stipends and allowances if they fail to align with the centralization agenda. The Forum offered reassurance, stating, "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."
This pledge highlights the NDSF's dedication to protecting those who advocate for reform and inclusivity, reinforcing their role as a supportive body for regional interests.
Criticism of Amnesty Programme Leadership
The statement further criticized the leadership of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, asserting that it is not the property of any individual, group, or kingdom but a national institution serving the entire Niger Delta region. The stakeholders condemned Otuaro's alleged actions in leveraging his office to protect narrow interests, warning that such behavior jeopardizes the peace the programme was designed to maintain and risks destabilizing the region's fragile equilibrium.
Demand for Immediate Action
In a firm ultimatum, the Forum demanded that Dr. Otuaro immediately separate Tantita Security from the Amnesty Office or step aside for more competent management. They warned that failure to act would confirm obstruction of reform for personal or sectional gain, directly threatening regional stability and national economic interests.
This demand underscores the urgency of the situation, as the stakeholders link effective surveillance reform to broader economic and security outcomes for Nigeria.
