Following a recent allegations made by a former Niger Delta militant, Asari Dokubo, over the alleged award of pipeline surveillance contracts to some individuals and companies, the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Good Governance, CCSOGG, has raised concerns over the danger of a fresh crisis in the region.
DAILY POST reported that the former leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta, MEND, Asari Dokubo, had accused a frontline monarch in the region, the Olu of Warri and other individuals and companies of receiving contracts worth N2.7 trillion annually.
Dokubo made the allegation in a video circulating online while defending former militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, over his involvement in pipeline surveillance contracts.
Dokubo alleged that the Olu of Warri and Osahon Idahosa, whom he identified as the son of Captain Osa, were collecting N2.7 trillion annually for pipeline protection.
He further alleged that the individuals were not being criticised because of their ethnic backgrounds.
The Coalition said that to avoid unwarranted crisis in the region, an evidence-based assessment of surveillance contracts of pipelines in the Niger Delta should be made, calling on stakeholders to avoid claims that are not verified and capable of undermining critical national security operations.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition in reaction to allegations and counter-allegations from stakeholders in the oil-riach region in a statement on Friday, Declan Ihekaire, said legitimate questions about government contracts should be addressed through official documents and verifiable evidence rather than unsubstantiated claims.
It said that legitimate questions about public contracts should not be suppressed, adding also that public accountability must be based on facts, documents and verifiable evidence and not sensational allegations capable of damaging reputations, destabilising communities and undermining critical national security operations.
The group said further, “If there are questions about government expenditure, the appropriate response is for the relevant authorities to publish the contracts, payment schedules, scope of work and performance records and allow Nigerians to interrogate them.
“If the allegation is true, let the document be produced. If it is not true, those responsible for spreading it must have the courage and responsibility to correct the record.
It stressed, however, that contract values should not be equated with personal income, noting that such agreements typically cover personnel, equipment, logistics, security operations, technology, community engagement and other operational expenses.
The group urged the Federal Government and relevant agencies to assess pipeline surveillance contractors based on measurable performance, including reduction in vandalism, protection of crude oil production, community relations, technology deployment and value for money.
Asari’s pipeline allegations: Coalition warns against fresh crisis in Niger Delta