….urges Tinubu to probe prolifetation of arms in Niger Delta
A Coalition of Civil Society organizations in Nigeria,-National Coalition of Civil Society Groups,(NACCIG),has called on the Federal government to revoke without delay the Pipeline Surveillance contract awarded to leader of one of the militants groups Niger delta saying such a decision will compromise the security of the country.
According to the group,awarding Surveillance contract to militants is akin to seating on a keg of gun powder should there be a future disagreement between the company and future governments.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday on behalf of the group,its Director of Publicity,Taiwo Adeleye said such a decision has become imperative to prevent the potential misuse of Funds given to the militants for arms prolifetation.
He said that just as the group is full of commendation to the Nigeria Navy and President Bola Tinubu,on recent efforts to curb oil theft,the “on going Environmental and security crises affecting local communities exacerbated by questionable Surveillance contracts.
In the press conference with the theme,”Oil,Livelihood, Security and Future of Democracy in Nigeria” the group said that entrusting Pipeline security to those with militants backgrounds undermines Nigerias sovereignty and international reputation, particularly with Organisation- of Petroleum Exporting Countries,OPEC.
Speaking further the coalition urged President Tinubu to intervene and direct the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited(NNPCL) “to cease the award of Surveillance contracts to companies led by individuals of questionable character,such as Tanita Ltd and Government Ekpemupolo”.
Adeleye,addressing the press Monday
Faces at the Press conference
The coalition also questions “the interest that NNPC top management may have in these entities and their propensity to assign National asset protection to known militants”.
Speaking further,the publicity Director contended that by continuing the Surveillance contract,” the Nigeria state appears to be yielding to the demands of militants,rather than upholding the rule of Law and ensuring the safety of its citizens.This capitulation threatens to erode Public confidence and the Authority of the state”.
In answer to a question,Adeleye said such a contract should be awarded to professional stakeholders in the Industry as this will guarrantee National Security in difficulty times.
In order to bring about lasting peace,the Coalition asked President Tinubu to investigated the prolifetation of arms in the Niger Delta including the role of armed militants in the importation of illegal weapons adding that this is a Major issue that must be addressed if Nigeria is to be taken seriously by the international Community.
Furthermore, he urged the President to ensure that the Nigeria Military and Pipeline protection companies operated with the “utmost professionalism and are not complicit in arms Traffiking”.
Lastly,the coalition asked the President to ensure that,”Pipeline contracts must never be given to people linked with armed rebellion in the Niger Delta or anywhere in Nigeria.
