NIGER DELTA PIPELINE SECURITY CONTRACT: SACRIFICING PEACE AND INCREASE IN OIL PRODUCTION AT THE ALTER OF ETHNIC AND TRIBAL POLITICS*

*NIGER DELTA PIPELINE SECURITY CONTRACT: SACRIFICING PEACE AND INCREASE IN OIL PRODUCTION AT THE ALTER OF ETHNIC AND TRIBAL POLITICS*

Let it be clear that I am a none beneficiary of this Tantita contract, however,I am writing as a concern Niger Delta youth. 

Ever since the signing of a forty-four billion naira annual contract to a security company, known as Tantita Security company, by the Federal Government of Nigeria. There has been a sudden disappearance of 'black suits' in the skies of the Niger Delta regions.

There is also a Sharp fall in the areas of sea pirates and kidnapping. There is an increase of daily oil production which was between five hundred thousand(500,000) and nine hundred thousand(900,000) barrel per day. Now it's about  One point five million ( 1.5 million ) to one point eight million ( 1.8)  barrels production daily. 

Apart from that, there's an improved standard of living among young men and women who were employed into the company . This singular contract has removed about a million young men and women from the unemployment list in the streets of Diger Delta. 

The issues of pipelines vandalism and bunkery activities has reduced by more than 95% and people are now paying more attention to the security of our oil installations in the Niger Delta. 

This is the only government contract to an individual which has engaged more Niger Deltans, and brought total peace to our oil facilities. 

The believe that pipelines vandalism is the only way for the government to get the attention of Niger Delta  youths agitations has totally been eradicated in the Niger Delta elta.

The recent agitations surrounding the pipeline contract, is the fear of the Delta Ijaws dominating influence through this contract in Delta State. The Urhobos, Isokos and Itsekiris ethnic groups feel threatened by the power of influence the Ijaws are having in Delta State of recent times. It's showing clearly that the Ijaws are taking over the centre stage of Delta economy and politics through this contract. 

If we could remember last year, the Delta State government organised a Security Trust Fund Raising Programme, and among all the those who donated to the Delta State Government; the Tantita Security Company alone donated ten billion naira with immediate payment. That act alone creates more enemies to the company from members of its host state. 

Let's not forget also that when Tantita Security Company came on board alot of discoveries where made implicating the Army,Navy and NNPC LTD. These discoveries ranges from vandalism, oil theft to illegal pipeline connections in the Niger Delta. All these people are now rallying around to see that the contract is removed so that we can go back to the old status quo. 

The Fight here is ethnic group politics of Ishekiri, Urhobos and Isokos versus one Ijaw person Oweizide Government Ekpomupolo! This is not but envy.

What we should understand here is the fact that the presidency is most likely to favor the Ishekiri people because of the First lady factor, who is an Ishekiri woman. 

But those in the presidency should tread with caution,apart from politics this contract is about the Nigeria Oil production a matter of economic growth. If you attempt to please few individuals who are envious and jealous of the Ijaw people at the detriment of peace of our region and increase Oil production,we will go back to a situation most likely worse than what it was before the contract was given to Tantita Security Company.

In as much as there should be call for more inclusion of people across the region. The call for sharing the contract or removing the contract to please agitations selfish people will smell doom on our pipelines. 

Let's not create a situation worse than what it was,let those close to the President strongly advised Mr president and NNPC to allow the sleeping Dogs lie. 

DE VOICE ALUTA PEN