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IPDI urges FG, NNPCL to revoke Trans-Forcados repair deal
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Warns against Olu of Itsekiri’s company operating in Ijaw areas
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Threatens youth action if demands are ignored
The Ijaw People’s Development Initiative (IPDI) has called on the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to immediately terminate the pipeline repair contract awarded to Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), owned by the Olu of Itsekiri, for sectional replacement works on the Trans-Forcados pipeline in Ijaw communities within Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.
In a statement signed by its national president, Comrade Ozobo Austin, and made available to journalists on Monday, the group described the contract as unacceptable and called for its revocation.
According to IPDI, the Olu of Itsekiri and his kinsmen, who have publicly opposed Tantita Security Services’ operations in Itsekiri territories, should not be allowed to execute pipeline repair works in Ijaw communities such as Odidi, Batan, Ekeremor, Kantu and others.
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The group urged host communities within Ijaw territories to reject the presence of PINL and resist any attempts by the company to operate in their areas.
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“Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited must be restricted to Itsekiri areas,” the statement read. “The Olu’s repair contract in Ijaw communities should be revoked and re-awarded to competent Ijaw pipeline companies.”
IPDI also appealed to the NNPCL Managing Director, Mr Bayo Ojulari, to intervene and cancel the PINL contract in the interest of peace and stability in the Niger Delta.
The group further cautioned that Ijaw youths may be forced to take direct action to stop repair operations on the Trans-Forcados pipeline if their demands are not met.
