Niger Delta Pipeline Surveillance Contract: Mingo Urges Unity, Cautions Against Division
By EgbemaVoice,
Niger Delta youth leader, Mingo Meshach Sayami Ogumaka, popularly known as the White Eagle of the Niger Delta, has strongly reacted to the ongoing debate surrounding the pipeline surveillance contract in the region.
Mingo called on regional leaders to remember the sacrifices and blood of Niger Delta sons and daughters who paid the supreme price in the struggle for justice, equity, and development.
Speaking on the latest developments, he addressed the surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, owned by Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), a former Niger Delta agitator. He noted that the award has generated controversy, with some ex-agitators demanding decentralization of the contract across the nine oil-producing states, while others are calling for its termination or redistribution.
Mingo recalled that pipeline surveillance contracts in the past, including those handled during the era of the late Captain Hosa Okunbo, did not yield widespread benefits, as illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism were rampant, leading to a significant decline in Nigeria’s oil production.
He stated that it was during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari that the contract was awarded to Tompolo for an initial period, which brought noticeable improvements in pipeline security and oil production.
According to him, the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has continued with the arrangement, resulting in massive achievements, employment opportunities, and infrastructural impacts across the Niger Delta.
Mingo emphasized that many Nigerians acknowledge the effectiveness of Tantita’s operations, noting that calls for termination or decentralization should be reconsidered in the interest of stability and continued progress.
He urged aggrieved stakeholders to exercise patience and allow Tompolo to continue his work, stressing that the struggle for Niger Delta development was built on collective sacrifice, particularly by the Ijaw people.
The youth leader warned against internal conflicts, describing the agitation over the contract as unnecessary and potentially divisive. He called for unity, love, and cooperation among Niger Delta leaders and youths, rather than rivalry over economic opportunities.
“At this stage of our development, especially among the Ijaw people, we must build understanding and work together for the betterment of the region, not fight ourselves over one contract,” he said.
Mingo further clarified that his position is not driven by personal benefit, revealing that despite being a prominent grassroots agitator, he has not benefited from the contract. However, he maintained that this should not be a reason to oppose leadership or progress.
He further lamented that the growing trend of internal conflicts among leaders in the region is becoming dangerous.
According to Mingo, “the attitude of fighting ourselves in the region, especially among Ijaw leaders, is becoming unbearable and poses a serious threat to the future of the Ijaw nation.”
He warned that continued disunity and rivalry could undermine the collective struggle and achievements of the Niger Delta people, urging all stakeholders to embrace peace, unity, and mutual respect for sustainable development
He concluded by urging all stakeholders to embrace unity, avoid bitterness, and support collective growth, noting that opportunities such as the surveillance contract are often rotational and should not divide the region.
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