NIGER DELTA: NNPC BOSS MAIKANTI UNDER FIRE OVER PIPELINE CONTRACT

• Says he should respect territorial boundaries

• Urges involved communities to boycott job

WARRI—The Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Cooperation, NNPC Dr. Maikanti Kacalla Baru have come under a severe attack from a Niger Delta based group, Concerned Gbaramatu Youths over what they described as anomaly in the management of NNPC / PPMC crude oil trunk line security contract in Gbaramatu kingdom.

The group in a statement signed by its Secretary Mr. Ejoh Ebullient and its opinion leader Mr. Kirifede Oyibo Paul yesterday scolded the group managing director of NNPC/PPMC while stating that it was only normal for the Ijaws of Gbaramatu to secure pipes within its territory.

The Concerned Gbaramatu Youths particularly accused Dr. Baru of carrying out archaic tendencies of divide and rule tactics, stressing that RAT cannot be the Chief watchman in the territory of CAT and likewise the ANTELOPE can never be the watchman in a forest cohabited by different WILD LIVES.

Speaking further, CGY however, told Kacala to respect territorial boundaries, alleging that the strong cultural diversity and respect for territorial boundaries has been the key driving force that have kept the Ijaws of Gbaramatu kingdom and Itsekiris of Ugborodo Kingdom going since the 1996 Warri crisis.

The statement read in part “the stage of our collective responsibilities for inclusive development and respect for territorial boundary, which is a key factor for peaceful coexistence certainly does not give room for these archaic and reprehensible disrespect for societal structures.

“We again want to state clearly that the era of divide and rule, politically calculated and ethnocentric attempt orchestrated at depriving the peace loving , law abiding and advocates of peaceful coexistence, and inclusiveness in society is not just condemnable but a big punch to a kingdom that has contributed immensely to the survival of her great Country Nigeria.” The group asserted.

The Gbaramatu Youths also advises the leadership of NNPC /PPMC to always uphold the principles of fairness, equity, tranquillity and justice for all, alleging that the areas under surveillance be shared along ethnic lines.

“That is, let every ethnic group control its territory. This is the only way the relative peace amongst these two great kingdoms can be maintained and sustained.” The Youths stated

The group however, urged community leaderships within Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State to avoid any ideology of subjugation and calls on them to join forces to repel what they described as a perceived injustice.

The statement particularly appeals to involved communities to boycott the job, owing to the current political divide and rule situation.

Support Quality Journalism in the Niger Delta Region

Join us in our mission to bring development journalism, cultural preservation, and environmental awareness to the forefront. Your contribution makes a difference in the lives of the people of the Niger Delta. Donate today and be a part of the change!