Convener of Isoko Youth Groups Against Marginalization in the Award of Pipeline Surveillance Contract in the Niger Delta, Iteveh Nur’ Ekpokpobe, has said that empowering a single ethnic group to oversee the security architecture of other ethnic groups in the Niger Delta is a time bomb that will explode at the least expected time.
Iteveh, an investigative journalist and a rights activist, insisted that there are other ethnic groups in Delta state where a high quantum of crude oil is produced, hence, awarding pipeline surveillance contract to one group without recourse to others is a slap on the face of other oil producing ethnic nationalities in the state.
Iteveh noted that as much as Isoko youths are concerned, they have the capacity and the capability to secure oil and gas facilities in their domain.
While Iteveh agreed that Tantita Security Services Ltd, owned by former warlord, Chief Government Ekpemukpolo also known as Tompolo, has performed creditably well, he faulted the manner in which the pipeline security contract was awarded without the input of other ethnic groups such as Isoko, Urhobo, Itsekiri, Ndokwa, Ukwuani where oil is also produced.
He said: “The issues we see surrounding the implementation of these contracts stem from the fact that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) under the leadership of Mr. Mele Kolo Kyari, was ill-advised as to the true ethno-cultural dimensions of the Niger Delta region.
“While the contract was designed with good intentions, the execution was faulty. I have said it on several fora that, like Nigeria, the diversity of the Niger Delta Region make it susceptible to volatility if not carefully managed.
“Agreed, one ethnic group reigns supreme as leaders of the region because of their presumed contribution to the emancipation struggles of the region. It is on record that five flow stations were shut down in the history of Nigeria on 18 June 1999 by the Isoko National Youth Movement under the leadership of Mr. Fred Obey as part of an “International Day of Action against corporate rule and the existing international financial system,” or an “International Day of Action against Imperialism”.
“The fact that it is assumed in Abuja that Ijaw nation is the only ethnic group in the Niger Delta region fueled the error of judgment. There are several minority ethnic groups with viable crude oil production quantum like the Urhobos, Isokos, Ndokwa/Ukwuanis and others. And awarding a contract of such magnitude to one without recourse to these groups became a slap on their faces.
“The contract as awarded represents dominance and control of the region. That one ethnic nationality is so empowered to oversee the security architecture of other ethnic groups spells doom for others and is the very rationale behind the palpable tension in the region.
“As Isokos, all we are saying is that we are a peaceful people, and being the second place crude was discovered in Nigeria, we are very capable of securing our pipelines and oil infrastructures. I believe every other ethnic nationality tows the same path as this.”
