Security Of Pipeline Should Not Be Given To One Man – Fubara Criticises FG Over Award Of Pipeline Protection Contract

Security Of Pipeline Should Not Be Given To One Man – Fubara Criticises FG Over Award Of Pipeline Protection Contract

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State criticized the Federal Government on Saturday for awarding a contract for the protection of crude oil pipelines to a single individual.

The Governor’s remarks came during a visit by a Federal Government delegation, led by the National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, to the Government House in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State.

In August 2022, Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, had defended the government’s decision to award a substantial pipeline surveillance contract to Tantita Security Services, led by former militant leader Government Ekpemepulo, also known as Tompolo.

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Though Governor Fubara did not mention any names, he criticized the Federal Government’s approach, asserting that entrusting the security of oil assets to a single individual would likely not yield the desired outcomes. He emphasized that an individual should not have control over assets located in another’s territory.

Fubara expressed his concern over the perceived neglect of his state by the Federal Government and urged the visiting delegation to ensure that their efforts would mutually benefit both the federal and state governments. He encouraged them to engage with grassroots communities to gain a better understanding of the situation in the Niger Delta region.

The Governor stated, “Security of pipelines should not be concentrated in the hands of one man. How can someone from Kalabari control pipelines in Ogoni? This approach is bound to fail. We should involve key stakeholders from various communities.”

Governor Fubara also highlighted the significant roles that individuals from the Niger Delta region hold within the Ministry of Petroleum, urging support for their efforts.

He advised the delegation to engage the right people to gather accurate information, stressing that his administration would continue the strong stance against illegal oil refining that was initiated by the previous Governor, Nyesom Wike.

Regarding the Niger Delta’s contribution to the national economy, the Governor expressed his belief that the region isn’t receiving the benefits it should be.

The National Security Adviser (NSA) responded, indicating that the delegation, with a mandate from President Bola Tinubu, was tasked with ending crude oil theft and illegal refining of petroleum products in the Niger Delta region. The delegation also included the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, and other high-ranking officials.