Niger Delta stakeholders have commended the federal government’s decision to award the oil pipelines surveillance contract to the leader of the defunct Movement for Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo.
In a press statement issued by the Niger Delta group, signed by High Chief Asonja Idowu, the stakeholders noted that the decision has resulted in the discovery of sixteen illegal pipelines and the recent interception of massive vessel loaded with illegally extracted crude oil.
According to the press release, the stakeholders stated that for the first time in the history of Nigeria, there is a general who puts the interest of the Niger Delta region above his personal interest.
As obtained, the press statement partly reads,
“No state in the Niger Delta region will accuse Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo of nepotism,self agrandizement or any pecunious interest as regarding this multi-million naira pipeline contracts and other emancipatory struggle in the past. Such humongous discovery is legendary and definietely will help the Federal Government to nip this hydra-headed oil menace in the bud.
Verily, I can say on behalf of the Ilaje Nation that this contract will help to block all loopholes draining the country of the revenue generated from the oil sector. That’s why we are imploring the Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited in person of Mr. Mele Kyari{GCEO}; mR. Bala Wunti {GGM, NAPIMS}to impress it on the Federal Government to increase the monies meant for the surveillance for optimum performance.
“No doubt, Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo has among many other giant strides reduce unemployment rate in the NIger Delta by engaging unemployed youths without gender discrimination {40% for women}.
“Also, the Federal Government through Special Duties Ministry under the leadership of H.E Senator George Akume should consider this great man of nobility, honour and unprecendented oil secuirty antecedent- Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo a place in the forthcoming award of National Honours given to Nigerians of diistinguished exploits.
“It is our utmost belief that Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo will live up to expectation and our lost glory in the oil sector shall be returned.”