Ebosa Urges Peace Amid Niger Delta Pipeline Contract Controversy
SAPELE/Nigeria: In the midst of escalating tensions over pipeline surveillance contracts awarded by the NNPCL in the Niger Delta, Chief Godwin Ebosa, a prominent Itsekiri Leader, and former chairman of Warri North Local Government Area, has stepped forward to advocate for peace and understanding among all involved parties.
“The controversy, which should have been a source of empowerment for the people, is creating division and discord among them,” emphasized Ebosa in a statement released to the press.
Expressing concern over potential consequences, Ebosa highlighted the need for unity and cooperation among stakeholders, stressing the longstanding history of coexistence between the Ijaws and Itsekiris in the region.
“We must shun divisive tendencies – actions and utterances likely to inflame tempers, impede peace and return our place to the dark days of the past,” he warned.
Addressing allegations of marginalization, Ebosa noted his involvement as a subcontractor to Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, stating, “It is untrue to state that Itsekiris are marginalized and not benefiting from the project being handled by Tantita.
“Furthermore, Ebosa called for an end to the casting of aspersions and the dragging of the Itsekiri traditional ruler, His Majesty, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, into the controversy.
“In fact, I call for an immediate and total ceasefire,” he concluded.
Ebosa’s plea for peace amid the controversy serves as a timely reminder of the need for unity and cooperation in addressing challenges facing the Niger Delta region.
Here Is The Full Statement From Godwin Ebosa:
CONTROVERSY OVER TRANS-FORCADOS PIPELINES SURVEILLANCE CONTRACT: GODWIN EBOSA SUES FOR PEACE, UNDERSTANDING
My attention has been drawn to the on – going altercations in the social and conventional media over the award of pipelines surveillance contracts by the NNPCL in the Niger Delta.
What should have been a thing of joy for the people, as a means of empowerment – is rather polarizing and pulling them apart.It is on this note that I am joining the issue and as well calling for a cease fire among all parties in the brickbat.
If the raging controversy is ignored to fester, it will stoke ethnic tensions and create divides – with its attendant deeper and unintended consequences.
In fact, I am particularly concerned and committed to sue for peace and understanding because in some of the publications, my humble name was copiously mentioned.The Ijaws and Itsekiris have come a long way – living side by side.For centuries, their destinies had intertwined.Therefore, divisive economic interest should not come between to once again pull both ethnic nationalities apart.
The present prevailing peace and harmony in the area should be sustained and build upon in the interest of the overall development of our communities and people.When an issue of this nature comes up, bystanders who are ignorant of the facts are usually the first to hijack and run with it, which always leads to undesired endings.
I can recall that following requests by the management of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) as NNPCL was then known, 3 years ago, that private security companies submitted profiles to bid for pipelines surveillance and protection contracts, I recommended Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, as a fit and suitable person for the job.And true to my expectations, Tantita has been doing a good job – and it is being commended for it.
Glad that Tompolo didn’t disappointed me as widely acknowledged by relevant stakeholders, including the Federal Government. I am also glad to be part of the success story.
As it was mentioned in some of the publications, I am one Itsekiri that has benefitted as a sub – contractor to Tantita to handle some portions of the surveillance job.
There are others too, and like me, all the Itsekiri sub-contractors employed many Itsekiris in the project. I, for one, employed over 200 Itsekiris in various capacities.So, it is untrue to state that Itsekiris are marginalized and not benefitting from the project being handled by Tantita.It is on this premise that I appeal for calm among those involved in the diatribes – contracts are not won or awarded through protests and propaganda.
From my digging for the facts, I found no connections in the series of protests that took place in Lagos and other places against Tantita and Tompolo, with our revered Royal Majesty, The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwase III.There is no shred of evidence to link the King with any of the protests, nor his support for such pedestrian display.
It is therefore unnecessary to add his name to the unsavoury controversy.The Olu of Warri should be spared the troubles and should be completely dissociated from the avalanche of the current intrigues.
Our people should forthwith end the casting of aspersions and the fanning embers of disunity.As I have said above earlier, there are professional methods of winning contracts – protests and mudslinging are formulas.
It is only through peace and harmony that progress and development are achieved. We must shun divisive tendencies – actions and utterances likely to inflame tempers, impede peace and return our place to the dark days of the past.
All hands must be on deck for this.Our ancestors lived convivially – let us tow that path.Let us continue to live like brothers as sisters and follow laid down procedures and methods in the pursuit of business interests, as well as politics.
In conclusion, I ask that the Itsekiri traditional ruler, His Majesty, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, must not be dragged in the ensuing tirades.
He did not sponsor any protest against Tompolo and Tantita.The monarch is very civilised and intellectually well equipped to appropriately modulate business interest.
He won’t resort to pedestrian methods to achieve his goals.In fact, I call for an immediate and total ceasefire.The good Lord bless us all.
SIGNED: MR. GODWIN EBOSA
