September 26, 2022

The leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum, Chief Edwin Clark, has defended the award of  pipeline surveillance contract  to former militant leader, Government Ekpemepulo also known as Tompolo.

In a statement on Sunday, Clark noted that there is nothing wrong with the contract being awarded to Tompolo who is a bonafide son if the Niger Delta, and warned Nigerians against interfering in the activities of the oil-rich region, as there is nothing wrong with it.

He said there should be no further bickering and disorder in any part of the Niger Delta to enable the people to focus on the big picture of sustainable development.

Recall that the Federal Government had announced the award of a N48 billion contract to the ex-militant to monitor pipelines, to check the menace of oil theft in the Niger Delta region.

“The unpatriotic elements should realize that there is nothing wrong in awarding contracts to any capable Niger Deltan, especially to protect oil and gas assets that are situated in their backyards,” he said.

“Similar contracts have been awarded in the past to individuals, I do not understand, therefore, why the Tompolo’s case is made to look as if it is the only one.”

“The beneficiaries of the contract are bonafide sons of the Niger Delta, who are committed to the peace and stability of the region and the country.”

The elder statesman also expressed satisfaction with the Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, in the manner he handled the tension generated over the issue.