The Igba of Warri Kingdom, Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor has condemned the Federal Government’s award of pipeline surveillance contract to Government Ekpemupolo popularly known as Tompolo.
President Muhammadu Buhari had awarded the former militant leader with the contract to end oil bunkering and artisanal refining in Niger Delta communities.
Reacting to the move which has since sparked talks in several quarters, Lori-Ogbebor said the guard of the pipeline should not be handed over to one individual.
The activist, who spoke to newsmen in Abuja on Monday, said it was appalling that the government has failed in its duties of protecting the nation’s resources in the South-South region.
She noted that the recently awarded contract has led to a disagreement which she said could escalate in a matter of weeks.
According to her, “Despite the warning, they went ahead to award the contract to Tompolo. This has resulted in disagreement.
“There has been a parade of guns in a show of force. The region may be enveloped by war any moment from now.”
Lori called on the Buhari-led administration to revoke the contract for peace to reign in the Niger Delta.
Speaking further, the activisit said the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has been turned into a family business where politicians place their relatives on the board, discarding the commission’s Act.
She said politicians use the commission “to cart away the booty of the country.. because that is where there is money.”
“There is anarchy in the Niger Delta and I feel that the world should know about it.
“I earlier said that the insecurity Nigerians should worry about is not the type going on in the North, but that of the Niger Delta.
“What we have today will be a child’s play if the insecurity fully manifests itself. If it has not, it will soon do so in another few months.”
