Delta Youths Threaten Showdown Over Exclusion In Multi-Billion … – SaharaReporters.com

A coalition of Isoko youth groups, Urhobo ex-agitators and other youth stakeholders in Delta state has threatened a showdown with the Managing Director of the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), Ali Zahra; Tantita Security owned by ex-militant leader, Government Ekpemopolo (aka Tompolo); and Heritage Oil and Shoreline Petroleum.

The coalition accused them of fomenting an inter-ethnic crisis in the state and the Niger Delta region.

According to the coalition, this followed what they called a "blatant" refusal to pay the coalition what is due them from the federal government's multi-billion-naira oil pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Ekpemopolo's company.

Addressing a joint press conference in Abuja, Tuesday, conveners of the coalition, Iteveh Nur'Ekpokpobe, Karo Edor, Joseph Figbele and Abraham Ekokotu stated that NPDC MD and the International Oil Companies (IOCs) have taken decisions that are inimical to the peace drive in Delta state.

It said, "As you are aware, sometime in August 2022 a contract for the surveillance of oil pipeline in the entire region was awarded to Tantita Security owned by the family of Mr. Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), an Ijaw from Oporoza in Niger Delta, without recourse to any Isoko representation, body or council. Following our petitions, the Nigerian Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions headed by Sen. Ayo Akinyulere, on instructions of the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, held (a hearing) on January 28, 2023, on the issues raised.

"The hearing was attended by the conveners of coalition of Isoko youths, president generals of Isoko communities in Bayelsa state, representative of the Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva and others. The Senate committee recommended at the end of the hearing, the need for the NNPC and the Federal Government to engage Isoko youths and stakeholders for keeping the peace and protecting crude oil installations in their areas ever since the beginning of exploration till date.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPC, Mr. Mele Kolo Kyari reached out to the leadership of the coalition after which the Managing Director of the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), Mr. Ali Muhammed Zahra, delegated to interface with the leadership of the coalition and the companies, to wit, Tantita Security and Zane Energy Limited in order to officially accommodate our youths. These deliberations which kicked off since February gave birth to several meetings and decisions. For over three months, we were shifted on a course. This course was supposed to resolve the issues that instigated our agitations.

This meeting gave birth to other meetings with the management of Tantita Security. First, with Keston Pondi in Warri sometime in February where, against all odds, we accepted a 100 slot quota of N50,000 naira monthly for our youths which was a far cry from the 150 slots of N100,000 promised by the NPDC MD.

We were asked to submit a list of the youths which we did, but till today, they have not been paid even with a later agreement that 230 slots would be available at the same N50,000 to include some parts of Urhobo where dissatisfaction is rife. Lastly, that fund would be made available for Hilux truck rentals and logistics.

"After another meeting, the trio of Zahra, Matthew Tonlagh and Dennis Otuaro both of Tantita security promised to pay two months backlog for February and March to enable us kick off properly. These promises have not been fulfilled till this very moment. Since these series of meetings and interface with the NPDC and Tantita, no promises made have been fulfilled. We have been tricked, our honesty and compromises have been insulted, our peaceful demeanors have been mocked, and there is only so much a people can take.

We dare say today, that Isoko and Urhobo nations have been insulted and swindled. We have been mocked and relegated by the Zahra, management of Tantita and all those who Kyari delegated to resolve this matter.

The coalition called on Kyari to step in and address the matter before it degenerates into heightened tension in the region.

It alleged that the mandate given to the NPDC MD, by Kyari has been sabotaged by selfish interests.

On the back of this fact, we are stating that the Isoko people cannot fold their arms this time around, because one can only accommodate oppression for so long. Tempers are already high and the need for NNPC GCEO, Mr Mele Kyari to step in and personally address this matter once and for all is now more pressing than ever. It is sad that over this period of time, all the promises made to us have not been kept. This back and forth movement has confirmed our fears and obvious truth, that there is a deliberate attempt to deprive Isokos and by proxy, Urhobos of their quota in this negotiation, it said.

At the time of filing this report, efforts to reach Matthew Tonlagh, representative of Tantita security, were not successful as he did not answer calls nor reply to the text messages sent to him.

But the Managing Director of NPDC, Ali Muhammed Zahra, told SaharaReporters that the contractor of the surveillance contract by the federal government is Tantita and not coalition of Isoko or Urhobo group.

The directive by my Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) is to mediate between Tantita and the coalition for sub-contract to their community group, which I did. Their payment rest with Tantita and not the NNPC Exploration and Production Limited, (NEPL). Thank you for reaching out. Kindly request them to forward their contract with NEPL to you if any."

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Delta Youths Threaten Showdown Over Exclusion In Multi-Billion ... - SaharaReporters.com