By Emeka Samuel
Niger Delta Youths under the aegis of Akwa Ibom Ex-Militants Forum has threatened to shut down oil production in the state by protest, if the Federal Government fail to revoke the N48B pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Mr Government Ekpemupolo popularly known as Tompolo.
In a petition addressed to President Muhammadu Buhari, copied to security agencies and made available to the press in Uyo yesterday, the group said that it was wrong for the FG to award contract for the surveillance of oil pipelines passing through Akwa Ibom without engaging youths from the state whose communities have suffered environmental degradation over the years as a result of oil exploiration and exploitation.
Recall that the FG had on Monday last week renewed a N4B monthly contract for the surveillance of oil pipelines to Ekpemupolo, who is a former leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND.
The release signed by General Johnson Solomon, State Coordinator and Comrade Godwin Edohoaqua, State Secretary called on the FG and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) to revoke the contract with Tompolo to accommodate former Niger Delta agitators from Akwa Ibom as most of the oil and gas pipelines pass through the state.
“In 2015, when President Goodluck Jonathan was about to hand over to President Muhammadu Buhari, Ex-Militants from Akwa Ibom State in our numbers protested to the National Assembly against similar contract which did not accommodate us.
“Leadership of the National Assembly with heads of security agencies recieved our protest letter and assured us that Akwa Ibom Ex-Militants will be accommodated in future contracts.
“It is wrong for the Federal Government to shortchange the youths of Akwa Ibom State by awarding such a bogus contract to a sectional former leader of Ex-Militants while Gas and Oil pipelines cris-crosses our land but we are not engaged, we won’t accept such marginalization.
“We are giving the Federal Government a seven day ultimatum to address the situation or we will embark on a marathon protest that will shot down Oil and Gas production in Akwa Ibom State.
“Our youths have refused to be involved in oil theft and pipeline vandalism because of our patriotism for Nigeria and the agreement we signed with the FG during amnesty but that should not be a criteria for us to be marginalized in the award of such a contract.” The release stated.
The group however advised the FG to award the contract in sections to accommodate youths of all the oil producing states in the region to avoid renewed agitation and possible negative actions that could defeat the purpose of Government’s good intentions.
“We are familiar with the terrain and pipeline routes running across the State and only youths from Akwa Ibom State can protect the pipelines better than a visitor, if our youths are engaged in such a project, the rate of unemployment will reduce.” It said.
