The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has denied allegations by Niger Delta activist, Asari Dokubo that he receives N2.7 trillion annually from pipeline surveillance contracts, challenging him to provide documentary evidence to support the claim.
Key Highlights
- Olu of Warri denies N2.7trn pipeline surveillance allegation attributed to Asari Dokubo.
- The monarch challenged Dokubo to produce documentary evidence supporting the claim.
- The monarch’s representative called for an independent review of pipeline surveillance contracts.
- He urged authorities to examine procurement documents, corporate records, approvals and performance reports.
- The monarch warned that inflammatory allegations could worsen ethnic tensions in the Niger Delta.
- He called for responsible engagement among Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo stakeholders.
Olu Of Warri Rejects N2.7trn Pipeline Surveillance Claim
The monarch, through his Sole Representative to NNPC Limited and its joint venture partners, Collins Edema, described the allegation as false and challenged Dokubo to substantiate the claim with documentary evidence.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the allegation that the Olu of Warri receives ₦2.7 trillion annually from pipeline surveillance contracts is categorically rejected,” Edema said in a statement.
“We challenge Mr. Dokubo to produce the documentary evidence upon which this extraordinary claim is based.”
Monarch Calls For Independent Review Of Pipeline Contracts
Edema called for an independent examination of the pipeline surveillance contracts, stressing that the arrangements are directly connected to the protection of Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure.
He said concerns surrounding the contracts should be investigated through the examination of procurement documents, corporate records, government approvals, performance reports and regulatory records.
“If wrongdoing is alleged, the appropriate institutions should investigate and establish the facts,” he said.
“And if no wrongdoing is established, politically charged allegations should not be allowed to substitute for evidence.”
Olu Of Warri Representative Urges Evidence-Based Debate
Edema also addressed Dokubo’s history of outspoken criticism of issues concerning the Niger Delta and his past involvement in militancy.
He said neither Dokubo’s past nor his reputation should automatically determine the credibility of his current allegations.
“The temptation should not be to dismiss everything Dokubo says simply because of his militant past. That would be intellectually lazy,” he said.
“Equally, neither should his reputation as a fierce Niger Delta voice confer automatic credibility on his allegations. His claims must stand or fall on the quality of the evidence supporting them.”
Read also:
- Asari Dokubo Alleges N2.7trn Pipeline Surveillance Contracts For Olu Of Warri, Others
- Stakeholders Seek More Institutional Support For Pipeline Surveillance Companies
- Tension in Niger Delta over pipeline surveillance contracts: Group writes Tinubu
Olu Of Warri Warns Against Renewed Niger Delta Tensions
The monarch’s representative further referenced Dokubo’s changing public position on High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, as well as disputes involving the Gbaramatu and Itsekiri communities.
According to Edema, Dokubo had previously criticised Tompolo over pipeline security arrangements and related disputes but had more recently defended him while directing allegations at other actors.
Edema warned that allegations involving the Olu of Warri, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, Tompolo and other stakeholders could further inflame tensions in the Niger Delta.
“The Niger Delta has paid a heavy price for politics conducted through confrontation and inflammatory rhetoric. It would be deeply unfortunate if old habits of militancy and unguarded speech were allowed to reopen ethnic anxieties that responsible stakeholders are trying to put behind them,” he said.
Ijaw, Itsekiri, Urhobo Leaders Urged To Exercise Restraint
Edema urged Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo stakeholders to approach the controversy with restraint and responsibility.
“Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo relations require responsible leadership, not rhetoric that can easily be interpreted as provocation,” he said.
“Whoever makes the allegation should provide the evidence. Whoever is accused should have the opportunity to respond.”
He added that the controversy over pipeline surveillance extends beyond the individuals involved because the security of Nigeria’s oil infrastructure has wider economic implications.
“Pipeline security is ultimately about more than contracts. It is about protecting national assets, safeguarding economic activity and securing an important part of Nigeria’s economic survival,” he said.
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