INYC Dialogue on Pipeline Surveillance: It’s not the position of our parents to request for Itsekiri stake - IAA

The Itsekiri Ale-Igome Association, IAA, Edo State, otherwise known as Ariogunmenite, has raced in defense of the jaw-jaw the leadership of Itsekiri National Youths Council, INYC, recently had with High Chief Government Ekpemupolo aka Tompolo, regarding part of the pipeline surveillance contract awarded by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, to the ex-Niger Delta agitator, saying: “It is not the position of our parents to go negotiate and request for Itsekiri stake and quota in the said contract, hence the move by the apex body of the Itsekiri Youths”.

IAA, in a statement sent to Fresh Angle International, today, Friday September 9, vowed: “Marginalization of our people, has been the order of the day in Iwere land and can no longer continue in such a detrimental situation”.

The statement authored by the Chairman, Secretary and P.R.O. of the Itsekiri Ale-Igome Association, IAA, Comr. Amakpamiekun Tobire, Comr. Aritsefino Ameyi and Comr. Alexander Emami Ayonmike, respectively, averred in parts: “We throw our weight behind the move made by the leadership of the Itsekiri National Youths Council (INYC) ably led by the President, Comrade Isaac Oritseweyinmi Agbateyiniro. It is timely and also for the stake of the Iwere indigenes.

“Inasmuch as the company awarded the surveillance contract, is within the Niger Delta region, it is a welcome development and we are ready to partner the leadership of the Itsekiri National Youth Council, in ensuring that whatever is accorded to communities in the right of ways and host, the Itsekiri communities get their dues.

“We wonder why so much controversy has been generated because of the recent contract awarded to High Chief Government Ekpemupolo aka Tompolo. Our support to INYC leadership is full and will be sustained until Iwere indigenes get what is due to them in the pipeline surveillance deal.

“We have been lacking better representation from Itsekiri leaders, which have cost us human capital and infrastructural underdevelopment over the years.

“We strongly believe that the dialogue embarked upon by the INYC leadership on the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to a contactor in the region, will bring something tangible.

“It is also good we put into cognizant that the contract is connected to communities hosting oil facilities and pipelines’ right of ways in the Niger Delta region, hence we have put up this to reaffirm our position and support to the leadership of the Itsekiri apex youth body.

“We must continue the struggle together to achieve our goal in Warri Kingdom. 

Communities that are hosting the oil and gas facilities, belonging to Chevron Nigeria Limited, NPDC, Sahara Enageed LTD and other companies e.t.c, will ensure adequate protection of the facilities. We are optimistic that our people will be carried along in the entire process for comprehensive coverage of the pipelines, passing through our area and the daily oil production in our communities, will subsequently increase.

“We appeal to Itsekiri leaders that also got part of the pipeline surveillance contract, to equally Inculcate "The Ariogunmenites' as their top priority, in order to have smooth safeguard of the pipeline facilities in the area."

“We commend the President of Itsekiri National Youths Council, Comrade Isaac Oritseweyinmi Agbateyiniro and his team, for their high-powered drive in making sure Itsekiris are included in the surveillance contract.

“We assure the management of NNPC Limited and other critical stakeholders in the sector, that pipelines in Itsekiri communities, will be adequately protected, with the cooperation of the federal security apparatus”.

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