WARRI/Nigeria: The Niger Delta Indigenous Movement For Radical Change (NDIMRC), a prominent oil and gas monitoring group, has strongly criticized Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State, over his recent remarks regarding the awarding of a crude oil pipeline surveillance contract to Tantita Security Services, led by former militant leader High Chief Government Ekpemepulo, also known as Tompolo. The governor’s statement, made on August 26th, 2023, during a visit by a Federal Government delegation, drew sharp rebuke from NDIMRC.
Governor Fubara expressed his discontent with the contract being granted to a single individual during the visit. He voiced concerns over the concentration of power and control of assets within the territory of others. Although he refrained from explicitly naming Tompolo, he stated that “security of pipeline should not be given to one man or one person.” The governor’s comments raised questions about the contract’s appropriateness and its potential implications.
However, NDIMRC did not take kindly to the governor’s stance. In an open letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu, the group expressed astonishment at Governor Fubara’s comments, asserting that his words held the potential to disrupt the hard-won peace in the Niger Delta Region. The monitoring group emphasized that since the awarding of the pipeline surveillance contract to Tompolo’s company, peace had largely been maintained in the region, curtailing the activities of crude oil thieves.
The group’s President, Nelly Emma, Secretary John Sailor, and Public Relations Officer, Stanley Mukoro, contended that the governor’s criticism was unfair to the people of the Niger Delta and other stakeholders. They implored President Tinubu to take note of Governor Fubara’s behavior and urged him to intervene for the sake of peace.
NDIMRC challenged the governor’s motives, suggesting that his remarks aligned with the interests of those opposing the renewal of the pipeline surveillance contract. The group credited Tompolo and Tantita for their instrumental role in curbing oil bunkering activities, which in turn contributed to increased oil production and government revenue.
Moreover, NDIMRC condemned the supposed collaboration between “disgruntled ex-militants” and oil thieves working to prevent the contract’s renewal. The group urged President Tinubu to dismiss these influences and prioritize the benefits of peace and increased oil production in the region.
In their plea to the president, NDIMRC highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in addressing illegal oil bunkering. They called upon the National Security Adviser and the Department of State Services to expose those involved in illicit oil deals, echoing their belief that strong government action was necessary to deter such activities.
The group concluded their open letter by underlining their support for Tompolo’s positive contributions to the nation. They emphasized that his efforts were aligned with the broader interests of the country and its people. In doing so, NDIMRC presented an impassioned defense of Tompolo’s role in maintaining peace and economic stability in the Niger Delta Region.
As the situation unfolds, the conflict of perspectives between Governor Fubara and NDIMRC highlights the intricate dynamics surrounding oil and gas operations, security, and the delicate balance between individual and communal interests in the Niger Delta.
