Niger Delta Group fault IPDI over anti-PINL attacks over pipeline contract award
...says calls for termination of contract reduced to tribal contestation or ethnic exclusivity
The Ijaw Renaissance For Good Governance (IRGG) has faulted the Ijaw People’s Development Initiative (IPDI) over calls for the immediate termination of a legitimate pipeline infrastructure contract awarded to Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), a company associated with the revered Olu of Itsekiri, for work in Warri South West LGA.
According to the IRGG, the call by the IPDI is viewed with deep concern, inflammatory and divisive, declaring that the development and protection of valuable nation’s assets in the Niger Delta should never be reduced to tribal contestation or ethnic exclusivity.
The Ijaw Renaissance For Good Governance (IRGG), in a statement titled “Re: Frivolous Call for Termination of Pipeline Contract Awarded to Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL)” and issues on Tuesday, argued that the award of the the 14.4KM weak sections of the Trans-Forcados pipeline is a strategic national asset, and any intervention or repair work on it must be based on competence, track record, and capability, not ethnic origin.
According to the IRGG, in the statement signed by its National Coordinator, Chief Samuel Ambakederemo and National Secetary, Dr. Justice Ingowari,argued that query over the legitimacy and capacity of the PINL is parochial, insisting that PINL is a registered, professional infrastructure company with a verifiable history of delivering critical oil and gas infrastructure projects across multiple terrains in the Niger Delta.
” Their selection was made not based on tribe, but on merit, capacity, and track record. We cannot, and must not, compromise national infrastructure and oil revenue security on the altar of parochial ethnic sentiments.”
IRGG also defended the Role of Traditional Rulers in the efforts to protect nation’s oil assets by insisting that His Majesty, the Olu of Itsekiri, like other respected traditional rulers in the Niger Delta, is a custodian of culture and a promoter of peace and development, “Attempts to politicize his name or malign his person over a contract lawfully awarded to a company with operational competence is both disrespectful and divisive. Let us respect our institutions”
The group however expressed regrets over the strained relationship between the Ijaw and Itsekiri of Delta State, expressing that the region have suffered too long from inter-ethnic divisions exploited by external interests, “Rather than issue threats or incite communities, we urge IPDI and all other well-meaning organizations to pursue peace, partnership, and collaboration for the good of our region. It is in unity, not division, that the Niger Delta will advance.”
The group called on the Federal Government and NNPCL to resist any pressure to revoke legitimate contracts awarded in good faith, especially when such pressure is driven by ethnic bias and not empirical evidence of incompetence or breach,” Giving in to such demands will set a dangerous precedent and plunge the region back into avoidable tension.”
The group also a condemned threats of youths action and condemn any incitement of Niger Delta youth to obstruct national infrastructure or operations,” Security and development must go hand-in-hand. IRGG call on security agencies to remain vigilant and ensure that no group or individual undermines peace in the name of activism.”
“The IRGG remains committed to good governance, equitable development, and peaceful coexistence among all ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta. We call on our Ijaw brothers in IPDI to reconsider their position, engage constructively, and focus on building partnerships that advance the interests of the entire region, not a selected few.”
